Last month, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) said that U.S. power grids are becoming more susceptible to cyberattacks every day, with vulnerable attack vectors increasing by about 60 a day. What’s more, extreme weather events also place the grid and power supply at risk. At the same time, energy resiliency is an increasingly critical component of national security. The U.S. simply cannot afford downtime of any fundamental infrastructure.
It is no surprise, then, that microgrids have emerged as a transformative solution for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). These decentralized energy systems, fortified by distributed energy resources, offer a way to keep critical power supply available should a national security incident occur. In a deployment that delivers an islanded source of power, microgrids offer unparalleled advantages in ensuring a robust and uninterrupted power supply.
Schneider Electric, a pioneer in microgrid technology, is proud to advance microgrid innovation that can provide purpose-built solutions for the DoD. Let’s take a closer look at the indispensable role of microgrids in support of the DoD’s energy resiliency efforts, focusing on the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar as a compelling case study.
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Yokota Air Base: A Model for Microgrid Excellence
The Yokota Air Base microgrid project in Japan, completed by Schneider Electric, exemplifies the strategic importance of microgrids for military installations. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, the $403 million project was successfully implemented, replacing outdated diesel generators with a natural gas-powered, steam-driven generator capable of producing over 10 megawatts. This sophisticated microgrid enables Yokota to operate as a self-sufficient power-generating island, maintaining critical operations even when disconnected from the main grid.
Microgrid Components and Schneider Electric’s Innovation
First, what is a microgrid? They are self-sustained, localized energy systems that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid. Microgrids offer a range of benefits, including increased reliability, energy efficiency, and energy flexibility (such as drawing on solar power or other renewables). As a decentralized and autonomous energy solution, microgrids enhance the DoD’s ability to withstand disruptions and ensure the continuity of mission-critical operations.
Key Schneider microgrid components for enhancing energy resiliency:
• Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): DERs, encompassing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass, along with traditional power generation such as natural gas, create a diversified energy mix. Reducing dependence on a single power supply improves the microgrid’s overall reliability.
• Energy Storage: Typically in the form of advanced batteries, energy storage systems house excess energy generated during periods of low demand, making it available during high-demand periods or when the primary power source is unavailable. This ensures a consistent power supply, contributing to energy resiliency.
• Control Systems: Microgrids are equipped with sophisticated control systems that monitor, manage, and optimize energy flow in real time. These systems use advanced algorithms to optimize energy usage, balance load distribution, and seamlessly switch between power sources, ensuring a continuous and stable power supply.
• Grid Connectivity: Microgrids can operate both connected to the main grid or in island mode, where they function independently. The ability to disconnect from the main grid during emergencies ensures that military installations can maintain critical operations even when the larger grid is compromised.
Microgrid Energy as a Service (EaaS) and Military Construction Procurement
Microgrid Energy as a Service (EaaS) presents an alternative and parallel approach to traditional military construction procurement, expediting and fortifying the DoD’s energy resilience mandate. EaaS is strategically designed to complement existing funding mechanisms like Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Programs (ERCIPs), not replace them. This forward-thinking approach allows military installations to harness microgrid benefits without burdensome upfront costs.
EaaS agreements facilitate collaboration with industry leaders like Schneider Electric for designing, implementing, and managing microgrid systems, thus fostering a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
• Cost-Efficiency: EaaS agreements enable military installations to access microgrid benefits without significant upfront costs, crucial for meeting energy resilience goals within budget constraints.
• Expedited Implementation: EaaS streamlines procurement processes, expediting microgrid deployment. Schneider Electric’s expertise ensures a swift and efficient implementation, aligning with the DoD’s urgency in achieving energy resilience objectives.
Conclusion
Microgrid capabilities are not just technical ones; instead, they are essential for national security, offering specific benefits for military installations. With their distributed energy resources, Schneider microgrids are transforming the energy resiliency of the Department of Defense and, as such, have become indispensable assets for protecting the uptime of mission-critical infrastructure.
Schneider Electric’s continued innovation in microgrid technology positions us at the forefront of this transformative field. As demonstrated by the success of the Yokota Air Base project, and as military installations continue to face evolving challenges, microgrids are not merely a technological solution, but a strategic imperative, ensuring the DoD’s ability to fortify energy infrastructure and fulfill its mission in any circumstance. With the innovative Energy as a Service approach, DoD entities can strengthen energy resiliency without replacing existing funding mechanisms, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to a secure and sustainable energy future.
Curt “Kibbles” Ebitz concluded a distinguished 30-year career in the Marine Corps, retiring as a Colonel in 2022. Following his retirement, he joined Schneider Electric, where he now serves as the Strategic Account Executive for Navy and Marine Corps accounts. In this role, Curt has been instrumental in advancing Schneider Electric’s mission to enhance the operational efficiency and sustainability of military infrastructure.
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