White Sands Missile Range held a ribbon cutting ceremony for a 10.9-million-dollar water resiliency Microgrid Project Feb. 26 on the range.
A microgrid is a self-sufficient energy system that serves a discrete geographic footprint. WSMR’s Microgrid Project is part of the range’s enduring commitment to strengthen WSMR’s energy and water resiliency and to reduce the risk to the installation’s mission posed by utility disruptions.
WSMR Garrison Commander Col. Donyeill Mozer welcomed guests to the event and thanked all the players for their support.
“This new solar and natural gas microgrid is a major step towards ensuring White Sands Missile Range remains mission ready even during power disruptions,” Mozer said. “Having an alternative energy source strengthens our ability to operate without interruption. This project showcases our commitment to innovation and sustainability. By integrating solar energy with natural gas, we are not just improving reliability we are also taking steps towards a more energy efficient and environmentally responsible future.”
The microgrid will provide backup power to four ground water wells on the range.
It is equipped with a solar photovoltaic array, natural gas generator and a lithium-ion battery system to provide sufficient power to energize the local water wells during an extended power outage.
“This would not be possible without our hard work and the collaboration of our partners, our contractors, planners and especially the Garrison DPW team and other key stakeholders,” Mozer said. “Their dedication in making this project a reality ensures that White Sands Missile Range will have the infrastructure needed to support our current and future operations.”
Craig Collins, WSMR Installation Energy Manager, said the project will enable WSMR to meet the U.S. Army’s requirement of 14-day energy and water independence for installations.
The Army has set an Army-wide goal of sustaining water and power on installations for up to two weeks, without having to depend on the civilian water and power supplies. The Army arrived at the 14-day requirement after having studied past power outage and water shortage patterns and matching them to critical mission requirements.
Collins said the project was on budget and on time. “We don’t have to worry about power outages affecting our water supply. We can keep pumping water even during power outages.”
The new microgrid ensures that the installation can continue critical missions without the disruption of potable water service to main post and demonstrates WSMR’s continued efforts to nest future construction projects with Army Directive 2020-23 and the IMCOM Energy and Water Initiatives.
Dave McNeil, CEO/President Hannah Solar Government Services-Ameresco, LLC, said that as an Army veteran every time he goes to an Army base and works alongside fellow Soldiers and contractors it feels like he is coming home.
“I am really proud of the fact that our company is dedicated to providing energy security for America and especially for our Army and our military.”
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