Corvias Boosts Fort Riley’s Energy Resilience & Savings
Corvias, a leading provider of energy and infrastructure solutions, has successfully completed Phase III of an ongoing energy independence and security initiative at U.S. Army Garrison Fort Riley. This milestone, achieved in collaboration with Sunstone Energy Development and City, Light & Power, marks a month of efficient operations and aligns with Corvias’ broader mission to enhance the operational resilience and readiness of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The initiative supports the DOD’s strategic goal of ensuring that every U.S. military installation can independently sustain its critical energy needs by the end of fiscal year 2030.
Commitment to Energy Resiliency at Fort Riley
As energy resilience becomes an increasingly vital aspect of national security, Fort Riley’s latest advancements position it as a model for military energy projects nationwide. The completion of Phase III involved the installation of two cutting-edge solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays, which became fully operational in December. These installations contribute significantly to stabilizing energy rates and enhancing energy security for Fort Riley housing communities.
The impact of these new solar arrays extends beyond energy security; they also play a pivotal role in reducing energy costs for military families. With these additions, the program offsets nearly 40% of the annual electricity consumption for the housing community, substantially lowering reliance on conventional energy sources. Furthermore, this development contributes to the broader economic growth of the region. Fort Riley’s Garrison Commander, Col. Jerry Nunziato, recently announced that the military base has generated a $2 billion economic impact for the surrounding community, underscoring the financial benefits of such sustainable infrastructure investments.
A Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Energy
The partnership between Corvias, Sunstone Energy Development, and City, Light & Power exemplifies the collaborative approach required to meet the ambitious energy goals set forth by the DOD. Jim Champagne, Senior Vice President of Asset Management at Fort Riley for Corvias, emphasized the importance of this partnership in maintaining uninterrupted energy supply.
“This work continues to ensure a reliable and secure supply of energy to on-post housing and the surrounding area,” Champagne stated. “Along with our partners, Corvias continues to implement strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities and potential disruptions that may affect the readiness of service members and their families.”
These efforts align with the DOD’s broader vision of integrating sustainable energy solutions across military installations, ensuring that service members and their families can rely on resilient and cost-effective energy infrastructures. With a commitment to reducing carbon footprints while enhancing national security, these projects also contribute to the military’s overall sustainability objectives.
The Role of Sunstone Energy Development and Onyx Renewables
Sunstone Energy Development, a joint venture between Corvias Solar Solutions and Onyx Renewables, has played a crucial role in providing renewable energy solutions across the Corvias Army housing portfolio for over a decade.
“For Onyx, delivering quality, resilient clean energy solutions is at the core of our mission,” said Kevin Cox, Senior Vice President of Origination at Onyx Renewables. “These onsite solar installations at Fort Riley not only enhance energy security and reliability for service members and their families but also underscore the long-term benefits of renewable energy in strengthening critical infrastructure.”
Onyx Renewables, a leader in clean energy innovations, brings extensive expertise in solar energy projects, ensuring that Fort Riley benefits from state-of-the-art solar technologies. The installations enhance the base’s capacity to operate independently in the event of power grid disruptions, reinforcing the national security benefits of distributed energy systems.
Solutions Through Partnerships: A Proven Approach
Corvias’ industry-first “Solutions Through Partnerships” model serves as a framework for successfully implementing sustainable energy initiatives within the military sector. This approach involves close collaboration with private and public sector partners, aligning expertise and financial resources to achieve long-term energy security and efficiency.
The newly completed solar arrays add to two previous rooftop solar phases, further expanding the Corvias-led solar initiative at Fort Riley. The cumulative effect of these solar projects makes Fort Riley one of the most energy-efficient military installations in Kansas, setting a precedent for other bases across the country.
The Future of Renewable Energy at Military Installations
The developments at Fort Riley reflect a broader trend within the U.S. military toward prioritizing renewable energy and grid independence. With increasing geopolitical uncertainties and the growing risks of cyberattacks on power grids, military installations must adopt resilient energy systems that can function autonomously.
The DOD has been proactive in pursuing energy solutions that align with national security priorities. Projects like the Fort Riley solar initiative demonstrate how military bases can leverage renewable energy to improve sustainability, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall resilience.
Benefits Beyond Energy Security
While the primary objective of Fort Riley’s solar initiative is to ensure energy independence, the benefits extend well beyond security considerations. The solar installations contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting federal sustainability goals. By decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, Fort Riley is playing an active role in reducing the carbon footprint of the military sector.
Additionally, these initiatives offer economic advantages to the local community. The construction and maintenance of solar infrastructure create jobs, stimulate local economies, and provide opportunities for technological advancements in the renewable energy sector.
Corvias’ Long-Term Commitment to Military Energy Solutions
As a long-term partner to the U.S. military, Corvias remains committed to advancing energy solutions that align with national security and sustainability priorities. Through continued investment in energy infrastructure, the company is helping military installations across the country transition to cleaner and more efficient energy sources.
Moving forward, Corvias and its partners will explore additional opportunities to expand renewable energy solutions at Fort Riley and other military bases. This includes integrating battery storage technologies, microgrid systems, and advanced energy management solutions that further enhance resilience and efficiency.
