Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, has announced the completion of an advanced renewable energy system at U.S. Army Installation Fort Detrick in Maryland. This milestone enhances the base’s energy independence, sustainability, and resilience capabilities.
The newly activated system features a 6 MW/6 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) integrated with an existing 18.6 MW (DC) solar energy facility operational since 2016. This integration not only increases the installation’s capacity but also provides frequency regulation services to the local electric grid. It improves energy security by enhancing power quality and stabilizing generation fluctuations.
Nicole Bulgarino, Executive Vice President of Ameresco, commented, “We’re proud to lead initiatives that strengthen the U.S. Army’s energy security and advance our commitment to innovative, vendor-neutral energy solutions. The Fort Detrick project sets the stage for potential future developments, including microgrid integration, to further support critical operations during outages.”
Honorable Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, stated, “The inauguration of the 6 MW/h energy storage system at Fort Detrick complements existing solar installations and underscores the success of partnerships in achieving sustainable and resilient energy solutions.”
Fort Detrick, managed by the U.S. Installation Management Command (IMCOM), spans 1,200 acres and supports various government agencies and military services. It plays a pivotal role in scientific and medical research, further supported by the new BESS activation.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the BESS activation at the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Detrick’s Area B Solar Field, attended by key figures including Robert Hughes, Executive Director of the U.S. Army Office of Energy Initiatives, and Brigadier General Edward H. Bailey, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command and Fort Detrick.
