A Maryland county just north of Washington, D.C., is embarking on an ambitious effort to provide clean, sustainable public transit — even to the point of installing a microgrid for its own electricity and hydrogen fuel production. Why it matters: Self-sufficient energy systems, or microgrids, are emerging as an important clean energy tool for communities, businesses and government agencies. Microgrids operate independently of the main grid, like a sustainable island, ensuring uninterrupted power — meaning officials don’t have to worry about increased electricity demand. That’s crucial if you’re trying to run a fleet of electric or hydrogen-powered buses. Driving the news: Under Montgomery County’s plan, an existing transit center near Rockville will become the nation’s largest self-sustaining bus depot. It will have on-site green hydrogen production powered by solar energy, plus battery energy storage. By 2035, the depot is expected to accommodate 200 zero-emissions buses, most of which will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The depot’s solar panels will also support electric-bus charging.

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