Photo By Charles Delano | A 12 MW natural gas powered microgrid at Fort Campbell, Kentucky ensures the garrison...... read more read more
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District is completing construction of a new microgrid at Fort Campbell, strengthening the installation’s ability to operate independently in the event of a commercial power outage.
The project is part of the Army’s initiative to install backup microgrids across its installations, ensuring mission-critical facilities remain operational during emergencies. For Fort Campbell, a hub for Army readiness and power projection, the system provides more than just reliable energy—it enhances the installation’s ability to conduct full-spectrum operations without interruption.
“Fort Campbell is a very valuable and critical installation,” said Jack Oakley, USACE Louisville District project manager. “Having their own microgrid will allow critical facilities to remain operational in case of an outage or emergency.”
The Fort Campbell microgrid checks off the three priorities of the Army – people, readiness and modernization. If commercial power is lost, Soldiers and civilians can continue critical missions without relying on dozens of backup generators and fuel deliveries. This ensures that Fort Campbell maintains a lethal, mission-ready posture regardless of outside disruptions.
“The biggest challenge has been the coordination and interconnection piece,” Oakley added. “My job was to make sure communication between all entities continued throughout the construction phase. Without getting everyone in the room together, we would not have been as efficient in coordinating our efforts.”
Rachael Haunz, branch chief, Support for Others, Planning, Programs, and Project Management Division, USACE Louisville District, emphasized the importance of partnerships in delivering this capability.
“The Fort Campbell microgrid project is key to the installation achieving resilience by allowing operations of critical missions when faced with adverse situations,” Haunz said. “A strong partnership between the installation, utility provider, USACE, and contractors was key in overcoming challenges and paves the way for future microgrid projects.”
In simple terms, a microgrid is a self-sufficient energy system that can disconnect—or “island”—from the main power grid to operate independently. This allows installations to sustain essential functions when the commercial grid goes down. A planned “black start” will test the Fort Campbell system to ensure it operates as intended under real-world conditions.
By providing reliable backup power, the Fort Campbell microgrid directly supports Army readiness. It ensures Soldiers can focus on their mission without the distraction of energy insecurity, enhancing the installation’s role in the nation’s defense. The microgrid is scheduled to be turned over to the garrison, December 2025.
| Date Taken: | 09.24.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2025 15:07 |
| Story ID: | 549186 |
| Location: | FORT CAMPBELL, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 49 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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