Schneider Electric, the leading digital transformation company, will provide an energy infrastructure modernization project for the US Air Force. The project would upgrade infrastructure and support critical power supply and grid stability at the Hurlburt Field outside Destin, Florida.
Firstly, in the Hurlburt Field, the US Air Force has a base for its Special Operations Command. The US Air Force and Schneider Electric contract was for $22,6 million. Under which Schneider will reduce Hurlburt Field’s energy costs by 17.7 percent. This would result in $1,5 million in savings annually over the 22-year contract term for the US Defense Department.
Moreover, the project will include upgrades in more than 300 buildings, a 240kW of canopy solar PV; and a 265kWh battery energy storage system. The battery storage system will feature microgrid controls designed to ensure reliable HVAC operations while improving operational resilience.
In addition, Schneider will deploy base-wide LED lighting; transformer, HVAC, and duct sealing upgrades; enhanced energy management control systems; and replace of legacy controllers and software to support compliance with USAF cybersecurity requirements.
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Schneider Electric to ensure energy realiability to Hurlburt Field
As a result, the base will improve airmen living conditions while helping minimize the impact on the maintenance squadron, increasing focus on other mission-critical tasks. The project will also improve the base’s energy efficiency; will incorporate renewable energy alternatives that support the Air Force’s sustainability goals.
On the other hand, the contract between the parties is an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC). These financial vehicles help publicly funded entities make capital improvements over longer payback periods with long-term benefits, including improved facility efficiency.
Furthermore, Schneider Electric works with federal agencies to find innovative ways to address challenges through smart infrastructure enhancements under these contracts. Dean Yobs, Federal Energy Solutions Business Development Manager, Schneider Electric, said about the contract with the Air Force. “We’re pleased to build on our track record of success to not only improve the environment for airmen and staff based at Hurlburt, but also ensure energy reliability that is vital to successful AFSOC and other Air Force missions.”
Finally, Steve Loken, the Hurlburt Field Civil Engineering Squadron Deputy, concluded. “The fact that we are able to implement energy conservation measures and renewables to self-fund these improvements will mean we can align with climate action goals for years to come.”
