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Georgia PSC Approves Potential 30 MW Solar Project at NSB Kings Bay

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS141216-21
Release Date: 12/16/2014 4:47:00 PM

From the Department of the Navy Renewable Energy Program Office

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) today indicated positive approval to allow the Department of the Navy (DON) and Southern Company subsidiary Georgia Power to proceed with the development of a potential 30 megawatt alternating current (AC) or 40 megawatt (MW) direct current (DC) renewable energy project at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay, Georgia.

The DON has been actively working with Georgia Power to develop a cost-effective, renewable energy project to meet the secretary of the Navy's goal to produce or procure 1 gigawatt (GW) by the end of 2015.

'Georgia Power and the Department of the Navy's Renewable Energy Program Office (REPO) signed a memorandum of understanding back in August, working diligently toward today's crucial project milestone,' said Robert M. Griffin, executive director of REPO. 'Energy is a vital resource for our bases, which provide critical support to our missions abroad. Adding renewable energy to the local grid provides power diversification for all consumers, including Kings Bay.'

The potential project at NSB Kings Bay would allow for the construction of a new renewable energy generation asset on-base for consumption by the surrounding community and Georgia Power. NSB Kings Bay is located in the southeastern corner of Georgia and has been operating in its current capacity since 1975. It plays a critical role as the East-Coast home to the Ohio-class submarines. Georgia Power has long served as the base's provider of electricity.

'Submarine Base Kings Bay and the entire Navy is committed to achieving our renewable energy goals,' said Capt. James Jenks, commanding officer. 'Greater energy diversity will increase mission security and efficiency by reducing reliance in fossil fuels.'

Georgia Power, which serves more than 2.4 million customers across the state of Georgia, is committed to developing economical renewable energy as part of a balanced generation portfolio. By 2016, the company projects it will have contracted for more than 900 MW of solar capacity resulting in the largest voluntary renewable portfolio of an investor-owned utility. A successful solar project at NSB Kings Bay would be a milestone for both Georgia Power and the DON, helping to further both parties' commitment to adding renewable energy for Georgia.

'Today's confirmation from the PSC of our working project with the U.S. Navy is an exciting step forward for solar in Georgia,' said Norrie McKenzie, vice president of renewable development for Georgia Power. 'Through constructive regulation and collaboration with our PSC, Georgia Power is able to pursue innovative solar projects which benefit our customers, including the state's military bases and surrounding communities.'

The DON is aggressively pursuing renewable energy to improve energy security, operational capability, strategic flexibility and resource availability. To date, there are up to 255 MW of renewable energy capacity in procurement from solicitations from the Western Area Power Authority for 14 installations in California and a solicitation from DLA-Energy for three installations in Texas. For more information about DON's Renewable Energy Program Office and potential projects, visit http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/energy/repo/.