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In support of the Department of Defense and national energy usage goals, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California, is in hot pursuit of “Net Zero”.
“A ‘Net Zero’ energy military installation produces as much energy on-site, from renewable energy generation or through the on-site use of renewable fuels, as it consumes in its buildings, facilities, and fleet vehicles,” said Kirk Hampton Resource Efficiency Manager with contractor Sain Engineering Associates Inc. on base.
For instance, aboard MCLB Barstow, the wind turbine is used to generate energy for use on base, as are the fields of solar panels. These are considered renewable energy sources for the base.
The DoD is the largest user of commercial energy in the United States government, netting approximately 80 percent of the government’s total usage. The current level of energy use impacts Marine Corps operations by constraining the Corps’ ability to be self-sufficient, by demanding use of economic resources and potentially putting lives at risk in support operations while deployed, he explained.
“There appears to be many opportunities to more effectively meet DoD energy requirements through a combination of human actions, energy efficiency technologies, and renewable energy resources,” Hampton said.
“Net Zero energy usage is a concept of energy self-sufficiency based on minimized demand and use of local renewable energy resources.”
The goal is to improve an installation’s energy self-sufficiency by minimizing energy use and by developing local renewable energy resources, to include expanding on the current solar capabilities, wind turbine, and other such options.
“Net Zero is a goal, as well as a methodology,” he explained. “There can even be benefits to developing an energy strategy for multiple installations together, such as for a region or a branch of the DoD.”
Achieving the DoD’s reduced energy usage goals requires embracing a broad range of opportunities, such as increasing Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy investments and project implementations. The total investment required to approach the Net Zero goal will vary for each installation.
At this time, MCLB Barstow is at approximately 34 percent of Net Zero usage. The mid-term goal established by Col. Craig C. Clemans, Base Commanding Officer, is to be at 50 percent Net Zero by the end of his tour in May 2021.
“The Base is doing its best to leverage all the natural energy it can through wind and solar,” Clemans said. “The biggest key to attaining Net Zero at this point, is to decrease usage – and that’s something we need everyone’s help with.”
“Fortunately, the DoD has the potential to reach many of their energy goals by using current available technology, building on their experience, completing projects, and re-allocating resources,” Hampton said. “The DoD continues to successfully complete largescale energy projects. Investments in EE and RE projects can improve energy security and can result in a positive economic Return on Investment.”
In addition to solar farms and wind turbines, some other energy-efficient options include:
• Energy Networks
• Landfill Gas to Electricity
• Ground Source Heat Pumps
• Solar Photovoltaics (PV)
• Biomass Electrical Energy Generations Systems (Wood to Energy)
“In recognition of the relationship between energy and national security, the DoD has established very ambitious energy efficiency and renewable energy goals,” Hampton said. “In the end, it is a matter of energy independence and national security.”
| Date Taken: | 10.24.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 10.25.2019 13:57 |
| Story ID: | 349265 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 123 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Net Zero energy use: The future of DoD, by Laurie Pearson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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