SACRAMENTO, Calif. –The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District awarded a $9.6 million contract Aug. 14 to CDM Constructors Inc. of Bellevue, Wash., for the design and construction of a 1.5 megawatt solar array at Tooele Army Depot in Tooele County, Utah.
"This project demonstrates the Corps' continued commitment to help the Army reduce energy dependency," said Col. Bill Leady, commander of the Sacramento District.
The project will include the placement of more than 420 solar dishes on 3.5 acres, providing the installation with 1.5 megawatt of energy - enough to power 300 to 400 homes. Each solar dish is a mirrored, parabolic dish which reflects and focuses the heat from the sun onto a stirling engine to generate electricity.
"This is a unique project and a first-of-a-kind for an Army installation," said Chuck Hubbard, chief of the Army/Air Force section of the Sacramento District's military construction branch.
A ground breaking ceremony for the project is scheduled at Tooele Army Depot Aug. 17. For more information, please contact the Tooele Public Affairs office at 435-833-2693.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District provides planning, engineering, project management, environmental restoration and construction services to military and civilian customers in parts of eight western states, including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon and Wyoming.
Release no. 12-030