Lockheed Martin and U.S. Army commission first microgrid

Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Army have commissioned the first Defense Department grid-tied microgrid which integrates both renewable resources and energy storage.

The project was funded by the Defense Department’s Environmental Security Technology Certification Program, Lockheed said in a release.

The microgrid, commissioned in Fort Bliss, Texas, is designed to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs while providing the capability to operate independent of electric utility when needed to provide energy security, the company said.

The program is now entering its demonstration phase, which will continue through July.

“We are excited to lead the Army in energy efficiency. This microgrid supports Fort Bliss' Environmental Campaign Plan, aimed at reducing our carbon footprint. This cost-effective project will incorporate renewable energy sources, lowering our electric output,” said Major Joe Buccino, Fort Bliss spokesperson.

“The tactical utility of this technology is its ability to allow us to operate off the grid. We are entering an age of emerging threats and cyber warfare. We are assuming an unacceptable measure of risk at fixed installations of extended power loss in the event of an attack on the fragile electric grid. This project represents the future of military energy security,” he added.