The department of energy's federal energy management program works with its stakeholders to enable federal agencies to meet energy-related goals, identify affordable solutions, facilitate…

The Department of Energy awarded a $500,000 Project Grant to F4D0C2 30 Cpts FMA under the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Dissemination, Outreach, Training and Technical Analysis/Assistance program (CFDA 81.117) to support deployment of a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) with microgrid controls at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Lompoc, California. The award, which commenced August 1, 2025, and is scheduled for completion by July 31, 2027, funds installation and implementation of energy storage infrastructure through a Utility Energy Service Contract (UESC) mechanism.

The BESS and microgrid control system will be integrated with the base's existing solar photovoltaic infrastructure to enhance mission assurance during utility grid disruptions while optimizing renewable energy utilization. Key objectives include managing solar power output fluctuations, reducing Power Purchase Agreement minimum take penalties, balancing peak demand with base-load consumption, and maximizing renewable energy production at this mission-critical federal facility. This deployment exemplifies the Federal Energy Management Program's initiative to support federal agencies in achieving energy resilience and conservation goals through innovative energy technologies.

The department of energy's federal energy management program works with its stakeholders to enable federal agencies to meet energy-related goals, identify affordable solutions, facilitate public-private partnerships, and provide energy leadership to the country by identifying and leveraging government best practices. This assisting federal facilities with energy conservation technologies (AFFECT) award funding will support the deployment of a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) with microgrid controls via a utility energy service contract (UESC) installed near remote mission-critical facilities at U.S. Air force vandenberg space force base (SFB) to help ensure uninterrupted power during utility grid disruptions to those areas. The BESS will store electricity optimally such as when the existing solar photovoltaic (PV) system produces more electric energy than the base needs or when economically advantageous from the gird. The goals for BESS and microgrid controls are mission assurance in the face of grid disruption risks, balancing PV output with electric base load and consumption, reducing associated (power purchase agreement) PPA minimum take penalties, and maximizing renewable energy production.