Distributed Energy Resources, Energy Efficiency  -  December 17, 2021

Hurlburt Field in Florida Increases Power Supply, Stability

Hurlburt Field near Destin, Florida completed an energy modernization project that upgraded infrastructure and supported the critical power supply and grid stability needs at the base, which is home to the U.S. Air Force's Special Operations Command (HQ AFSOC).

Upgrades throughout Hurlburt Field's more than 300 buildings include 240 kW of canopy solar PV and a 265 kWh battery energy storage system with microgrid controls designed to ensure reliable HVAC operations while improving operational resilience. Other improvements include base-wide LED lighting, transformer, HVAC and duct sealing upgrades, enhanced energy management control systems, and replacing legacy controllers and software to support compliance with USAF cybersecurity requirements. 

Through the $22.6  million Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) with Schneider Electric, the project will reduce Hurlburt Field's energy costs by 17.7%, resulting in $1.5 million in savings annually over the 22-year contract term for the U.S. Defense Department. ESPCs are financial vehicles that help publicly funded entities make capital improvements over longer payback periods with long-term benefits, including improved facility efficiency and financial management. 

The Hurlburt Field project incorporates renewable energy alternatives that support the Air Force's Energy Vision to Enhance Mission Assurance Through Energy Assurance strategy and is part of DoD's broader strategy to achieve mission-critical resilience.

“Over the course of our longstanding relationship with the United States Air Force, energy resiliency and assurance has only grown in importance," said Dean Yobs, Federal Energy Solutions Business Development Manager, Schneider Electric in a statement. "We're pleased to build on our track record of success to not only improve the environment for airmen and staff based at Hurlburt, but also ensure energy reliability that is vital to successful AFSOC and other Air Force missions."

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