Microgrids, Solar  -  March 17, 2025

White Sands Missile Range Deploys Microgrid 

White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico announced the completion of its $10.9 million water resiliency microgrid project.

The project was completed by Ameresco, Inc., an energy solutions provider specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, and designed and built by HSGS-Ameresco, LLC, a joint venture that delivers energy generation, smart controls, and building efficiency solutions to the VA and other federal agencies.

The microgrid system, which integrates a 700-kW solar photovoltaic array, a 500-kW natural gas generator, and a 500-kW lithium-ion battery system, will provide backup power to four groundwater wells on the range. 

The project aligns with the U.S. Army's requirement of sustaining water and power for up to 14 days without relying on civilian supplies. 

“The project helps WSMR meet the U.S. Army’s requirement of 14-day energy and water independence for installations,” said Craig Collins, WSMR Installation Energy Manager, in a statement. “We don’t have to worry about power outages affecting our water supply. We can keep pumping water even during power outages.”

The newly implemented microgrid at White Sands Missile Range integrates multiple energy sources to ensure a reliable and continuous power supply. Its solar array captures energy from the sun during the day, while the natural gas generator provides a dependable backup power source. The lithium-ion battery system efficiently stores excess energy generated by the solar array and releases it when needed, helping ensure an uninterrupted power supply. This entire system is managed by an advanced microgrid controller that optimizes energy production and distribution, balancing the load between the solar array, generator, and battery storage.

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