WASHINGTON (NNS) — The Department of the Navy’s Great Green Fleet (GGF) is set to deploy later this month and NDW is aligning with the Secretary of the Navy’s vision for energy security and independence highlighting a series of GGF events throughout the year.
“NDW will focus on the two major energy seasons – in April around Earth Day and in October during Energy Action Month. Additionally, we will highlight certain milestones, such as ground breaking and ribbon cutting, of significant projects that move toward accomplishing our energy goals,” NDW Region Energy Program Manager Lt. Cmdr. James Shefchik.
The objective of the GGF is to show optimizing energy use, including the utilization of energy conservation measures, operating procedures, and/or alternative fuels, increases combat capability, operational flexibility, resiliency, and energy security.
According to NDW Energy Analyst Eriq Williams, NDW and Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Washington have taken aggressive steps towards energy security by integrating and diversifying utility distribution systems to include smart grid and micro grid capabilities.
“Our approaches identify the best locations for renewable generation, public and private financing options, and leveraging other federal agencies’ contracts,” said Williams. “This results in contracts for solar installation, power purchase agreements (PPAs) for on-site solar generation and better pricing for alternative fuel vehicles.”
Beyond the goal of increased smart grid and micro grid capabilities, NDW is also exploring alternative fuel non-tactical vehicles. One of the SECNAV’s energy goals is to increase the purchase and use of flex fuel vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and neighborhood electric vehicles.
“NAVFAC has recently implemented processes that will make it easier for Navy personnel to use E85 fuel in the 321 E85 vehicles operating throughout the region,” said Shefchick. “Drivers will notice stickers in the vehicles clearly indicating that the vehicle is capable of using E85, along with publishing maps and internet links to show where the fuel can be found.”
NDW and NAVFAC Washington will continue to focus on efficient use of energy resources to ensure optimal mission readiness while building energy teams throughout all supported/tenant commands, raising awareness and commitment to energy excellence.
NDW will kick off with its first GGF event at the end of this month with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Naval Support Activity Annapolis, Maryland, for the reconfiguration of the new water treatment plant backwash filter effluent.
“This project will reduce the water treatment plant’s water draw by nearly one third or about 125 million gallons annually, translating into over $1.5M annual savings,” said Shefchik.
In 2009, SECNAV Ray Mabus announced five aggressive goals designed to transform the Navy and Marine Corps’ energy culture and infrastructure in order to increase combat capability and enhance energy security. One of those goals was that the DON will, “Sail the Great Green Fleet: The DON will demonstrate a Green Strike Group in local operations by 2012 and sail it by 2016.
For more news and information from around the region, visit www.facebook.com/NavDistWash or follow @NavalDistWash on Twitter.
For more news from Naval District Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/ndw/.
| Date Taken: | 01.20.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 02.08.2016 10:11 |
| Story ID: | 188205 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DC, US |
| Hometown: | WASHINGTON, DC, US |
| Web Views: | 77 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Enabling the Great Green Fleet at NDW, by PO1 Pedro Rodriguez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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