Corvias’ energy & utility projects support Army’s 100% renewable goals

Just last week, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy announced initiatives, such as battery storage development for grid stability, to further support energy resilience and climate goals. Corvias, a trusted solutions partner to the U.S. Army, recognizes the critical importance of energy independence for the security, readiness, and resilience of the military. As part of its ongoing commitment, the company has recently completed a project expected to generate $240 million in utility savings over the next 30 years.

"Fort Riley, Kansas, is now home to one of the largest solar programs in the state, due to Corvias’ investment in sustainable solar development,” says Pablo Varela, Senior Vice President, Renewable Energy & Utilities Management, at a recent Sevan Multi-Site Solutions’ Annual Symposium.

Supporting the Army’s climate goals:
Improvements made by Corvias align with the United States Army Climate Strategy, which guides the Army in optimizing the use of fuel, water, electricity, and other resources to increase resiliency and mitigate and adapt to climate change. According to the strategy, operating costs are reduced, and resource allocation is more flexible as Army resources are conserved through increasingly efficient structures.

“Corvias continues to support the Army and their energy goals by incorporating creative funding opportunities, innovative development plans, and providing energy efficient communities through meaningful utility and infrastructure upgrades,” says Varela. “The benefits include long-term savings, resiliency and energy security to installations for tactical self-sufficiency, and the support of Army Climate Strategy (ACS) goals, such as a reduction in an installations’ carbon footprint, benefitting the environment.”

Impact at installations:
Recent improvements across Corvias’ military portfolio include more than $150 million invested in energy efficiency projects such as ground source heat pumps (GSHP), lighting and water conservation projects, and energy management systems. In addition, Corvias has invested in renewable energy projects, in partnership with the local Army directorates of public works (DPW), utility companies, and utility commissions, to construct over 34MW of solar projects.

Reinvesting for the future:
Many more energy-saving and energy-efficiency projects are planned across Corvias’ portfolio, including a new 4.4MW solar ground mount at Fort Riley, which will generate an average of 6,013MWh annually over the 25-year project; a 13MW solar ground mount at Fort Johnson, which will generate an average of 17,537MWh annually; and at Fort Liberty, Corvias is developing over 32MW of solar projects.

“We’re always working to ensure we are in alignment with the White House and Department of Defense climate adaptation goals, so that we are really supporting the most critical needs. This is an exciting time as the opportunities ahead will pave the way for a brighter future for our partners, installations, environment, and surrounding communities,” says Varela.