Climate Wednesdays

Brooklyn's Battery Breakthrough: How Four Branch Libraries are Charging Ahead

Take a virtual tour of NYC's first-ever solar plus energy storage systems, housed at four Brooklyn Public Library branches that were hit hard by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Even when extreme weather knocks out the electrical grid, Brooklynites will be able to charge phones and other devices at these four branches. This event is a collaboration of 350Brooklyn, Brooklyn Public Library, and Solar One, a non-profit education, training and technical assistance organization, which is installing the solar plus battery systems. 

Panelists:

Angelica Ramdhari (she/her) is the Director of Resilient Solar at Solar One, where she focuses on the deployment of projects in the high-barrier NYC energy storage market. Her experience includes implementing carbon offset programs for the University of Florida, developing energy efficiency strategies for affordable housing in Gainesville, managing both private and non-profit solar energy projects in NYC, and now directing the design and installation of several solar + storage projects in Brooklyn and the Bronx. She is a native New Yorker who appreciates hyperlocal civic engagement in her community, where she co-chairs the Environmental Protection Committee at Brooklyn Community Board 6 and facilitates Participatory Budgeting for District 39.

Dillon Buchberg is the Energy Manager for Brooklyn Public Library, where he assists BPL in reaching their energy goals as well as the city’s goals in reducing energy use in commercial buildings. He is a Certified Energy Manager with 6 years of field experience. Previously, he was an Energy Consultant with PSEG Long Island assisting commercial customers in a similar capacity working on PSEG Long Island’s Energy Efficiency programs. He has assisted schools, hospitals and retail customers in funding various energy efficiency projects, from lighting retrofits to HVAC and chiller replacements. Now, Dillon is helping Brooklyn Public Library and their 60 branches retrofit their buildings with efficient lighting, HVAC equipment, chillers and exploring renewable energy opportunities such as Solar Photovoltaic systems.

Hamid Lekic is the Deputy Director for Clean Energy at the Department of Citywide Administrative Services Division of Energy Management. Hamid oversees the implementation of clean energy projects on public facilities including advancing the City’s goal of installing 100 MW of solar PV by the end of 2025.

Ning Gao got her Ph.D in 2018 focusing on renewable energy technologies. She then completed her postdoctoral training researching on the development of high-performing rechargeable lithium batteries, and the CO2 reduction through electrolysis cell at the Idaho National Laboratory. She has published 10+ papers and holds 2 patents. In early 2021, Ning joined CUNY and started to work at FDNY to help with the deployment of energy storage systems across the city, increasing New York City’s energy resilience, while maintaining public safety.

This presentation will take place online via Zoom. Please RSVP at least an hour in advance to receive the Zoom link prior to the event. It will also be livestreamed on YouTube here.

This program will be recorded and shared later on YouTube. All participants who register and join this program will be recorded. Your image will be seen if you leave your camera on, if you ask a question your voice will be heard, and your name may be visible.