Energy Efficiency, Sourcing Renewables  -  August 7, 2019

Moody AFB plans solar, efficiency upgrades with ESPC

Moody Air Force Base (Moody AFB) has entered into an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) to implement an energy efficiency and infrastructure improvement project. The $11.2 million task order includes a 2.5 MW on-site solar array, a base-wide LED lighting upgrade, expansion of its energy management controls system (EMCS), and fundamental infrastructure upgrades throughout the base in more than 60 buildings, totaling 2 million square feet. The project is expected to generate more than $21 million in guaranteed energy savings over 23 years.

"The Air Force is improving its ability to manage energy supply and demand in a way that enhances mission capability and readiness while helping address the nation's broader energy challenges," says Don Montgomery, Moody Air Force Base Energy Manager in a statement. "Optimizing demand and using resources efficiently will allow the Air Force to increase its mission capabilities as outlined by the Air Force's Energy Vision to Enhance Mission Assurance Through Energy Assurance. Moody AFB is proud to do its part to meet this vision by partnering with Schneider Electric on an ESPC."

According to the statement, “With this contracting mechanism, Moody AFB found a cost-effective way to secure funding and implement the solution.” Schneider Electric will install a comprehensive energy project including 2.5 megawatts of clean electrical power directly offsetting a portion of the installation's utility bill. The solar energy generated will also allow the base to defer current energy that is being sourced from nuclear, coal and gas sources for a more sustainable alternative. The renewable asset helps support the base's long-term energy resilience objectives and allows it to be more energy independent.

Other energy efficiency and infrastructure improvements to be implemented include:

• EMCS expansion and scheduling for increased visibility of energy
• Replacing current interior and exterior lighting systems with LED technology
• Updated HVAC/Variable Frequency Drive systems to improve air quality and comfort for airmen
• Transformer replacement for enhanced energy efficiency and added resilience and reliability

Construction began in July 2019 and is anticipated to last 18 months.

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