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Energy Program Saves $430K Annually

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090605-25
Release Date: 6/5/2009 7:54:00 PM

By Lee H. Saunders, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego celebrated the completion of a $3.5 million energy project May 12 that will save 2,723 megawatt hours and $430,000 annually with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest energy project consisted of three tasks. The first task was design and install a 275 kilowatt ac power photovoltaic system on top of six MCRD storage warehouse rooftops. The second task required the installation of a backpressure steam turbine generator to produce electrical power for base consumption utilizing excess steam generated from a centralized steam plant. The final task involved the retrofitting of an existing lighting system with an energy efficient lighting system and install motion sensors to control lighting needs in warehouses.

"The installation of the photovoltaic system, the backpressure steam turbine generator and lighting retrofit continue to demonstrate the Navy's and the Marine Corps' commitments to energy management and renewable energy," said Phu Vu, NAVFAC Southwest Renewable Energy senior program leader for the project.

"The extensive partnering between MCRD, NAVFAC Southwest and San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) has made this project possible."

The energy created will replace energy normally purchased from off-base suppliers and will reduce the cost of energy to MCRD. The project will make the depot more compliant with the Federal Energy Policy Act known as EPACT 2005 and DoD mandates to increase renewable energy resources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

"This project has been a pleasure to work on with our partners at MCRD and SDG&E, and it represents a great example to every new recruit that the Marines lead not only in defense of American interests at home and overseas but also set the example in protecting our environment with the same vigor and fidelity," said Gary Simon, NAVFAC Southwest construction manager for the project.

NAVFAC Southwest Executive Officer Capt. Robert Fahey and Col. Donald W. Zautcke, MCRD assistant chief of staff, along with Dave Guebert, SDG&E representative, cut the ribbon to commemorate the completion of the latest NAVFAC Southwest renewable energy and energy management project.

For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navfachq/.