US NAVFAC solar project

The US Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) has awarded a contract to Pacific Energy Solutions to support its photovoltaic array project, which involves the procurement of electricity generated from renewable energy generation systems.

Work under the project covers the design, construction, ownership, operation and maintenance of ten solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems that will offer renewable electricity to navy and marine corps bases on Oahu, Hawaii, US.

US Navy secretary Ray Mabus said: "This is a large project with ten roof-top photovoltaic systems and four ground-based or elevated systems, built on three different bases.

"In the first year alone we expect that these systems will save the taxpayers $1.6m.

"That’s the equivalent of the electricity that can be generated from 54,000 barrels of oil here in Hawaii. It’s the amount of electricity needed to power more than 5,000 average homes here."

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"In the first year alone we expect that these systems will save the taxpayers $1.6m."

In what is said to be the US Navy’s largest photovoltaic array in the Pacific, Pacific Energy will build three roof tops and one ground-mount location on Waipio Peninsula at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam (JBPHH), six roof tops and two elevated PV structures at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and one roof top and one elevated PV structure at Camp Smith, Aiea.

Upon the anticipated completion of the project in 12 months, the PV systems will be capable of delivering renewable energy for 25 years.

The overall generated 17MW of renewable alternating current will be shared among the navy and marine corps, marking a vital step towards accomplishing the department’s renewable energy goals.

NAVFAC Pacific commander rear admiral Bret Muilenburg said: "Renewable energy initiatives are paramount to enabling the navy and marine corps to improve energy security and efficiency ashore, and operational reach afloat."

Image: US Navy secretary Ray Mabus during the launch of the navy’s largest solar-power generation system project in Hawaii. Photo: courtesy of US Navy, photo by mass communication specialist 2nd Class Armando Gonzales / released.

Defence Technology