NAS Whiting Field Surges on Solar Energy

NAS Whiting Field Surges on Solar Energy

Naval Air Station Whiting Field Commanding Officer Capt. Matthew Coughlin, Public Works Officer Lt. Cmdr. Jason Kranz, and personnel from contract partner Atlantic Contingency Constructors, LLC celebrate the commissioning of the air station's first large-scale photovoltaic power plant. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Tim Mosso.

By Lt. j.g. Tim Mosso, NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs

            Naval Air Station Whiting Field marked another step on its path toward energy independence Tuesday, Nov. 29 with a ribbon cutting for the air station’s first large-scale photovoltaic power system.  Capt. Matthew Coughlin, base commanding officer, and Public Works Officer Lt. Cmdr.Jason Kranz were on hand to celebrate the auspicious occasion.

            At the time of the ceremony, the power system was generating sufficient energy to reduce the host structure’s energy consumption to “net zero” according to public works representatives.  This achievement represents a landmark event in the base’s drive toward energy self-sufficiency.

            “The goal is to reduce energy purchased, to increase our independence from outside sources,” Ensign Cory McLaughlin of public works explained.

            The new solar array is designed to provide primary power to base building 2981, which houses Training Air Wing FIVE’s fixed-wing Training Squadron TWO and Training Squadron SIX.  A duplicate of the solar array has been installed to service a similar facility containing two of the air station’s three South Field-based helicopter training squadrons.

             The second system, which boasts even greater output potential than the North Field generator, was activated in concert with the proceedings at the fixed-wing squadrons.  Combined output of the two power plants would be sufficient to supply approximately 45 average American homes.

            According to Kranz, the newly-commissioned system was undergoing initial evaluation at half of its potential, and a second set of electric inverters is scheduled to double the output of the plant.

            Beyond the operational certainty and security that the system affords the base, economic incentives loom on the near horizon.  While reflecting on the peripheral advantages of on-site renewable power, Kranz was unequivocal about the immediate payoff.

            “We look forward to saving money,” he noted with a smile.

            The self-contained power units can induce base’s power consumption meters to “run backward” and further diminish energy expenses for the command.  The net economic windfall is projected to approach sixty thousand dollars per year at current utility rates with the potential for greater gains if energy costs rise.

            Both power plants are fully integrated with the air station’s power grid.  In the event that one solar array produces power in excess of the needs of its host building, the surplus can be channeled to other facilities on the base.

            The base’s newly-activated solar generators are the culmination of a Navy-wide initiative to expand the energy independence of its stateside installations.  The project has been funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

            NAS Whiting Field has been a consistent leader in the early adoption and innovative application of alternative energy technologies.