United States.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $2.85 million in funding for four projects that encourage the development of renewable energy technologies at facilities across the federal government.
The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) is leading the way in bringing clean energy to federal facilities, and these projects are aimed at increasing solar photovoltaic (PV) and biomass generation. With costs shared with the industry, the total investment is almost US$75 million.
Projects include:
• State Department - This 11.9-megawatt photovoltaic system brings together 200-kilowatt to 8-megawatt solar energy projects at 10 U.S. diplomatic posts abroad. The proposed project will more than double the use of renewable energy.
• U.S. Department of Agriculture - U.S. Forest Service - This 0.76 megawatt project deploys rooftop, floor or garage solar panels ranging from 6-100 kilowatts at 11 installation sites across Oregon and Washington. The project will provide 100 per cent of the electricity requirements for four sites and more than 50 per cent of the electricity requirements at the remaining seven locations.
• Department of Justice – Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in El Paso, Texas – This 0.79 megawatt photovoltaic facility combines a ground and garage system at The El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC), which provides 30% of EPIC's energy consumption through the Enable ESPC contract, which offers a standardized, streamlined process for small federal facilities to install energy-saving measures for around six months or less. The project will be the DEA's first renewable energy system.
• Department of Defense – Marine Corps Command Facility in Albany, Georgia – This 10-megawatt biomass steam turbine generator will reduce annual electricity consumption by approximately 4,600 megawatt hours per year. The model project demonstrates how military installations can work toward federal energy goals and mandates, while achieving net-zero status and addressing energy security challenges.
