Walker led a pioneering study with the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA) to plan and implement the nation's first transit-focused solar microgrid and multi-modal resiliency hub network in California's Central Valley. Funded by Caltrans and developed in partnership with local governments, the project supports FCRTA's full transition to a 100% zero-emissions fleet, while strengthening energy resilience and expanding community services. The study follows Walker's work with FCRTA to establish all-electric rural microtransit service.
The network will include:
- Solar-powered microgrids providing EV transit and public charging
- Energy storage for grid independence and emergency backup power
- Multi-modal resiliency hubs offering shared mobility, Wi-Fi, charging, and emergency services
Walker led a team to conduct a comprehensive evaluation covering site selection, energy demand and grid capacity analysis, cost-benefit assessment, financing and ownership structures, utility partnerships, and identification of technical, regulatory, and institutional implementation barriers. A comprehensive community engagement process gathered input from over 1,000 residents, shaping design priorities and service offerings at the hubs.
The microgrid network allows:
- Transition to a zero-emissions fleet
- Energy capture to offset the cost of charging
- Reduced reliance on the electrical grid
