California All-Electric Vehicle Goal Leads to CleanSpark Acquisition

Oct. 9, 2020
California’s goal to phase out gasoline-powered cars by 2035 puts state agencies, public sector companies and utilities on a fast track to build supporting electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.

California’s goal to phase out gasoline-powered cars by 2035 puts state agencies, public sector companies and utilities on a fast track to build supporting electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. That’s why CleanSpark, a software and services company, is joining the EV charging station market with its recently acquired subsidiary, GridFabric.

By Smile Fight/Shutterstock

In announcing the acquisition, CleanSpark said it sees an uphill climb ahead for California to meet its goal with adequate power for EVs and existing power customers.

Already aging electric utility systems need upgrades to maintain grid stability and to deal with increased demand. More than ever, utilities must maximize their performance and be resilient to back-up critical energy loads in the event of a utility disruption, according to CleanSpark. California’s wildfires continue to burn, creating more grid challenges.  

Fast-charging stations for EVs increase the need for highly sophisticated demand management and load-balancing programs. 

GridFabric’s OpenADR provides solutions to balance the increased utility grid load and manage electric power for EV charging stations, according to the company. It also helps the utility to manage power distribution to the grid. GridFabric can rapidly implement OpenADR and provide the corresponding certification.

GridFabric’s OpenADR software is already in use at two EV charging companies. CleanSpark completed a solar plus storage facility at Pendleton Marine base in California in 2019. This facility provides continuous off-grid power with battery back-up to a portion of the large base. 

In Costa Rica, two microgrid projects will use CleanSpark’s control technology. One will operate at a large industrial park in San Jose. The second microgrid will power a construction and assembly factory in San Jose, Alajuela Province. 

CleanSpark’s microgrid system will deliver renewable power to more than 200 off-grid cabins in Ensenada, Baja, Mexico. A second microgrid in the area will operate in conjunction with local grid power for a new luxury community. In both locations, these microgrid systems will also deliver power to surrounding commercial properties.

Track news about EVs and microgrids by subscribing to the free Microgrid Knowledge newsletter.

About the Author

Sharon Bennett

Related Content

Brandon Olafsson / Shutterstock.com

Department of Energy Spending Up to $200M Connecting Remote Microgrids

March 15, 2024
The U.S. Department of Energy is currently accepting proposals for transmission projects that would connect remote and isolated microgrids to each other or to existing transmission...
U.S. Army photo by Scott Darling, Fort Cavazos Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Improves Resilience at Fort Cavazos with New Microgrid

March 14, 2024
U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood, will use the microgrid to power critical services and infrastructure during outages and to reduce energy costs during...

Reducing Costs and Uncertainty in Microgrid Deployment By Employing An Integrated Solution

March 15, 2024
This white paper - the second in a series - explores the Model Predictive Controller (MPC) approach to Microgrid and EV infrastructure operation.

Malaysian Semiconductor Maker Secures Critical Power with Rolls-Royce mtu Powerpacks On-Site

March 13, 2024
X-FAB Sarawak, the Malaysian division of worldwide foundry group X-FAB, will utilize the four mtu Kinetic Powerpacks at its site in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. The company manufactures...

Only through Standardization Can Microgrids Accelerate the Energy Transition

Jan. 18, 2024
Jana Gerber, North America microgrid president at Schneider Electric discusses how standardizing microgrids will accelerate the energy transition.

Get the full report.
Get the full report.
Get the full report.
Get the full report.
Get the full report.

High Reliability Microgrids for an Uncertain Future

In uncertain times, there is a need for high reliability microgrids. Calculating reliability involves understanding the risks and consequences of outages. In this white paper,...