Summary
The Defense Logistics Agency Energy, in coordination with the U.S. Army Office of Energy Initiatives (OEI) and the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick, selected Ameresco to design, construct, own, and operate an 18.6 megawatt (MW) direct current (15.0 MW alternating current) renewable energy solar facility. Fort Detrick purchases the renewable electricity from Ameresco through a 25-year PPA.
“This project is an excellent example of the extraordinary results we can achieve through collaboration. Renewable energy produced on Army installations increases energy security, which is essential to mission effectiveness.”
– Honorable Katherine Hammack
Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment, U.S. Army
12%
Annual Electric Load Served
18.6 MW DC
Energy Project Size
19,000 metric tons
Annual CO2 Emissions Reduction
59,994
Solar Panels Installed
Customer Benefits
Fort Detrick will consume all electricity supplied by the facility and will have the economic benefit of purchasing the renewable electricity below current and projected utility rates. The solar facility is designed to be microgrid compatible and will enhance energy security and resiliency for Fort Detrick including the Medical Research and Development Command, the world’s largest leading research campus for biological agents that require special containment.
- Serves 12% of Fort Detrick’s annual electric load requirements
- Electricity generated is the equivalent of powering 2,720 homes per year
- Annual CO2 emissions reduction of 19,000 metric tons
- Supports the base in meeting its energy and sustainability goals
Solution
Ameresco designed, built, owns, operates, and maintains an 18.6 MW DC solar farm. The large-scale solar facility was installed across 67 acres of land throughout Area B at Fort Detrick. Fort Detrick purchases the renewable electricity from Ameresco through a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
- Installed 59,994 solar panels
- Over 1.25 miles of new 4160 Volt distribution wiring to existing transmission line
