Defense Microgrid

Are DoD installations pursuing microgrids to meet energy resiliency goals?

Department of Defense Instruction 4170.111 requires installations to be more energy resilient, and as a result, many installations are pursuing microgrids to meet their energy resiliency goals and requirements. This report provides a resource for stakeholders involved in analyzing and developing microgrid projects at DoD installations.

Why does DoD need a microgrid system?

DOD needs to advance microgrid systems for several reasons. First, DOD has energy assurance and resilience needs that significantly exceed most civilian requirements, and it therefore requires a separate system for energy production and storage.

Can microgrids improve energy resiliency?

(Marqusee, Schultz, & Robyn, 2017) Microgrids can enhance energy resiliency by providing energy surety (i.e., loads have certain access to energy) and survivability (i.e., energy is resilient and durable in the face of potential damage).

What is a microgrid?

A microgrid can be defined as “a local energy grid with control capability, which means it can disconnect from the traditional grid and operate autonomously.” 9 For our purposes, we believe this encompasses both energy generation and storage.

What is a microgrid report?

This report provides (1) an overview of the microgrid planning, assessment, and design process for DoD installations and (2) is a resource for energy managers, policymakers, contractors, and other stakeholders involved in microgrid projects.

What is a microgrid in a global war on Terrorism?

A microgrid is an independent energy system, which at a minimum consists of electrical generation and distribution assets. The stationary microgrids of the Global War on Terrorism, built on forward operating bases, are not up to the demands of maneuver-centric multi-domain conflicts.