Summary
To enhance energy independence, sustainability, and potential for resiliency at U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick, the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, in coordination with the U.S. Army Office of Energy Initiatives selected Ameresco to develop an advanced renewable energy system. The two-phase project included an 18.6 MW solar facility and the installation of a 6 MW / 6MWh battery energy storage system.
“The Army and industry partners like Ameresco share a common vision—to create a sustainable, resilient, and clean energy future. The 6 MWh energy storage system we are inaugurating at Fort Detrick complements the existing 18.6 MW (DC) solar installation and exemplifies cutting edge innovation and the success of partnerships. This win-win outcome benefits the Army, local Maryland communities, and many other stakeholders.”
– Honorable Rachel Jacobson
Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment, U.S. Army
6 MW / 6 MWh
Battery Energy Storage System
18.6 MW
Solar Capacity
1.200 Acres
Campus Size
19,000 metric tons
Annual CO2 Emissions Reduction
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 and BESS facility, designed to be microgrid compatible, will enhance energy security for Fort Detrick including the Medical Research and Development Command, the world’s largest leading research campus for biological agents that require special containment.
- Electricity generated is the equivalent of powering ~2,720 homes per year
- Annual CO2 emissions reduction of ~19,000 metric tons
- Provides essential backup power and supports the Army’s mission-critical operations during potential outages
- Advances the base’s energy resiliency and sustainability goals
Solution
Supporting a broad spectrum of government agencies and military services, Fort Detrick is a hub for significant scientific and medical advancements. To support these critical operations, Ameresco designed, built, owns, operates, and maintains the battery energy storage system (BESS) that integrates seamlessly with the existing solar energy facility, which has been operational since 2016. The integration boosts the facility’s capacity by improving power quality and correcting unintended fluctuations in generation. Fort Detrick purchases the renewable electricity from Ameresco through a 25-year PPA.
- 18.6 MW solar
- 6 MW / 6 MWh battery energy storage system
- Over 1.25 miles of new 4160 Volt distribution wiring to existing transmission line
