Energy Efficiency, Energy Procurement, GHG Emissions  -  January 3, 2025

Federal Agencies Sign for Nuclear Power

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) awarded $1 billion in combined contracts to supply power to more than 13 government agencies and perform energy savings and conservation measures at five GSA-owned facilities in the National Capital Region.

The agreement was signed with Constellation, producer of clean, emissions-free energy. Constellation’s retail subsidiaries will provide the services to the GSA. 

Under a 10-year $840 million contract, the largest in GSA history, Constellation will supply the GSA with more than 1 million megawatt hours (MWh/yr) annually beginning in 2025. A portion of the power will come from investments Constellation will make to increase plant output, known as “uprates.” Construction of the project is scheduled to begin in January and will continue for approximately 42 months. 

“This historic procurement locks in a cost-competitive, reliable supply of nuclear energy over a 10-year period, accelerating progress toward a carbon-free energy future while protecting taxpayers against future price hikes,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan in a statement. “We’re demonstrating how the federal government can join major corporate clean energy buyers in spurring new nuclear energy capacity and ensuring a reliable, affordable supply of clean energy for everyone.”

The energy will be supplied to the Architect of the Capitol, the General Services Administration, the Social Security Administration, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Department of Transportation, the U.S. Mint, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, the National Archives and Records Administration, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Federal Reserve System, the National Park Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority in locations the agencies own or operate in Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Constellation was also awarded a $172 million Energy Savings Performance Contract to perform energy savings and conservation measures at five GSA-owned facilities in the National Capital Region. The work implemented under the contract will include LED lighting, weatherization, window inserts and replacements and new and upgraded HVAC and building control equipment to improve energy efficiency, decrease emissions and save on energy costs at the Elijah Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse, the William B. Bryant Annex, the Orville Wright Federal Building and the Wilbur Wright Federal Building, all located in Washington, D.C., and the Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building in College Park, Maryland.

In addition, the four buildings located in Washington, D.C., will be converted from steam power to electricity through the installation of electric boilers and heat pumps to meet the buildings' heating requirements. 

Read These Related Articles:

• Plugged In: Exploring Energy with Constellation | Episode 1 - The Evolving Landscape of Nuclear Technologies
• DOE Allocates $900 Million to Build Next Gen Nuclear Tech
• White House Sets Targets to Expand Nuclear Energy
• Make risk your advantage, not your obstacle
• Weekend Reads: Researchers Examine EV Charging Resiliency; Nuclear Power's Resurrection