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 (DOE) awarded F2X3D9 NAF Maxwell AFB a $10 million Project Grant on August 1, 2025, under the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Dissemination, Outreach, Training and Technical Analysis/Assistance program (CFDA 81.117). The award will support the implementation of energy conservation measures at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama through an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC), with a completion date of July 31, 2027. The deliverables include installation of approximately 4.6 megawatts (MW) of direct current solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity, a 20 megawatt-hour (MWh) / 5 MW battery energy storage system (BESS), and microgrid controller technologies.

These integrated systems are designed to reduce utility energy costs while enhancing energy resilience and mission continuity at the installation. The BESS will charge during off-peak rate periods and discharge during on-peak hours to offset higher electric charges under normal operations. In the event of grid failure, the BESS and microgrid controller will work in conjunction with the solar PV system to supply electricity to Gunter Annex and support facility electrical needs. This coordinated deployment of energy conservation measures addresses both the base's operational efficiency goals and its facility resilience requirements.

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 implementation of approximately 4.6 MW DC solar photovoltaic (PV), 20 MWH/5 MW battery energy storage system (BESS), and microgrid controller technologies under an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) at U.S. Air force maxwell air force base (AFB) to reduce utility energy costs and enhance energy resilience. The goals of the BESS and microgrid controller are to provide mission resilience in the case of grid failure, working in conjunction with the solar PV to support facility electrical needs. Under the existing utility structure, the BESS will also charge electricity when economically viable, such as from the off-peak rate outside of the summer hours of 10 am to 9 PM. During times of normal operation, this electricity will be discharged to offset higher on-peak electric charges. In instances of grid loss, the BESS can be discharged to supply electricity to the entirety of gunter annex. Operating in concert, these ecms will be deployed to reduce utility energy costs and increase resilience at the base.