US Wind Solar and Storage Integrated Base

Can integrated wind & solar generation be combined with battery energy storage?

Abstract: Colocating wind and solar generation with battery energy storage is a concept garnering much attention lately. An integrated wind, solar, and energy storage (IWSES) plant has a far better generation profile than standalone wind or solar plants.

What is integrated wind & solar & energy storage (iwses)?

An integrated wind, solar, and energy storage (IWSES) plant has a far better generation profile than standalone wind or solar plants. It results in better use of the transmission evacuation system, which, in turn, provides a lower overall plant cost compared to standalone wind and solar plants of the same generating capacity.

Which military base has a wind-powered microgrid?

The Otis Air National Guard base on Cape Cod, Massachusetts boasts the military’s first wind-powered microgrid. The installation, which includes one wind turbine, a diesel generator, and battery storage, can power the base for up to 120 hours in the event of an outage.

Can military bases use solar power?

The project was funded in part by the state of Massachusetts, which is working to develop renewable energy on military bases. The U.S. Army is increasingly deploying solar power in the field. Above, soldiers assemble a solar shade canopy during a training exercise.

Can solar PV and energy storage be used in military energy systems?

The ability to reliably incorporate solar PV and energy storage into military energy systems is a critical objective for the United States DOD. Solar PV and energy storage can help address the reliance on diesel fuel in remote regions, which is a weak point in military operations. The results of not being able to transport fuel through hostile regions can be costly and deadly.

Where is the US military solar project located?

The project is partly located on the Edwards Air Force Base in Kern County, California, home to many other large solar projects in the US. It is the largest public-private partnership in the history of the US Department of Defense. Over 1,000 workers participated in the project, which was completed with over a million hours of injury-free labor.