$4.1 million contract to improve Hunter Liggett solar energy efficiency

Published Dec. 28, 2012
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District awarded a $4.1 million contract Dec. 27 to Tri-Technic Inc. of Sonora, for installation of a one megawatt grid energy storage unit at Fort Hunter Liggett, located in Monterey County.

“The grid energy storage unit functions like a big battery, storing electricity generated by Fort Hunter Liggett’s solar power field when power generation is higher than demand,” said Jerry Iacopini, Sacramento District project manager. “The stored energy can be used later, when the solar panels are not generating power.”

Current plans for the solar array at this Army post will have it generating three megawatts at full capacity, said Iacopini, adding: “I think we’ll see more of these power storage units added to the larger solar- and wind-power installations.”

Construction of the power storage unit is scheduled to begin in April 2013 and completion is scheduled for November 2013.

Fort Hunter Liggett was one of several installations identified in April by the Department of Defense as a Net Zero pilot installation. As part of the Army’s overall effort to conserve precious resources, Net Zero installations will consume only as much energy or water as they produce and eliminate solid waste to landfills.

Tri-Technic is a small business as designated by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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.


Contact
Robert Kidd
916-557-5100
robert.d.kidd@usace.army.mil

Release no. 12-054