City of Tempe Microgrids Masterplan: Resilient Energy Hubs

2026 Crescordia Award Recipient

The City of Tempe’s Microgrids Masterplan: Resilient Energy Hubs is a forward-looking response to the growing threat of extreme heat and energy vulnerability in desert cities. Developed in collaboration with RSP Architects, Quest Energy Group, and Solar Island Energy, the Masterplan evaluates 27 city-owned and community-serving facilities for their potential to function as resilient energy hubs. By integrating solar energy, infrastructure readiness for battery storage, high-performance building improvements, and reliable backup generation, these trusted community sites can provide cooled, powered refuge during heat emergencies and grid outages. Prioritizing equity, public engagement, and proximity to vulnerable neighborhoods, the Masterplan offers a scalable roadmap for heat mitigation, climate resilience, and public health protection in an increasingly extreme climate.