Distributed Energy Resources, Energy Storage, Sourcing Renewables  -  June 20, 2024

Fort Detrick Adds BESS

The U.S. Army Installation Fort Detrick in Maryland added a 6 MW/6MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).

The BESS integrates seamlessly with an existing 18.6 MW (DC) solar energy facility, which has been operational since 2016. This integration boosts the facility’s capacity by providing frequency regulation services to the local electric grid but also enhances the overall energy security and sustainability of the installation by improving the power quality and correcting unintended fluctuations in generation.

The project was completed by Ameresco, Inc., a cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

“The Army and industry partners like Ameresco share a common vision to create a sustainable, resilient, and clean energy future,” said the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, Honorable Rachel Jacobson in a statement. “The 6 MW/h 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.”

The Fort Detrick facility is a key U.S. Installation Management Command installation (IMCOM) encompassing a 1,200-acre campus and supports several government agencies and military services including the Defense Health Agency, Space Force, U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, and the 21st Signal Brigade. Fort Detrick is a hub for significant scientific and medical advancements, which will also benefit from this new BESS activation.