Military uses of energy storage

Why is stationary energy storage important?

Stationary energy storage provides many value streams. It can be deployed in front of the meter in support of the grid or behind the meter to provide direct value for a customer. Both locations can contribute significantly to energy resiliency.

Can long-duration energy storage (LDEs) meet the DoD's 14-day requirement?

This report provides a quantitative techno-economic analysis of a long-duration energy storage (LDES) technology, when coupled to on-base solar photovoltaics (PV), to meet the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) 14-day requirement to sustain critical electric loads during a power outage and significantly reduce an installation’s carbon footprint.

How much electricity does a military installation use?

Typical mid-size to large active military installations’ peak electric loads range from 10 to 90 MW, and their critical electric loads range from approximately 15% to 35% of the total electric load. Figure 6 illustrates conditions seen on seven different mid-size to large military installations. Figure 6.

Can military forces reduce reliance on conventional fuel supplies?

The level of innovation displayed in alternative power generation and smarter energy solutions currently available or under development is good news for military forces looking to reduce their reliance on conventional fuel supplies.

How much energy does the DOD use?

Energy is essential for DoD’s installations, and DoD is dependent on electricity and natural gas to power their installations. In fiscal year 2022 (20), DoD’s installations consumed more than 200,000 million Btu (MMBtu) and spent $3.96 billion to power, heat, and cool buildings.

Where can I find a report on long-duration energy storage?

This report is available at no cost from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) at Marqusee, Jeffrey, Dan Olis, Xiangkun Li, and Tucker Oddleifson. 2023. Long-Duration Energy Storage: Resiliency for Military Installations. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory.