On March 23, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) announced a historic $250 million in funding through the Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies (AFFECT) program. In January 2024, FEMP announced 31 federal agency projects to receive the first of three disbursements, totaling $104 million in AFFECT funding.
The 31 selected projects will create good jobs, save taxpayers money through energy efficiency, and ensure a healthier, brighter future for our communities and kids.
Specifically, the selected projects are expected to:
- Double the amount of current on-site carbon-free electricity at federal facilities over the amount brought online in 2022, resulting in 27 MWs of additional capacity
- Leverage more than $361 million in private investment
- Demonstrate replicable and scalable projects for the entirety of the federal government.
In the first year of operation alone, the projects are estimated to:
- Save more than $29 million in energy and water costs
- Remove the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions from the air as taking 23,042 gasoline-powered vehicles off the roads
- Reduce energy usage by the equivalent of 29,662 homes' annual electricity use.
These efforts align with FEMP's commitment to energy reduction and sustainability goals, enabling the federal government to lead by example in energy efficiency and clean energy adoption.
Selected Projects
Topic 1 Selections: Assistance with Net-Zero Buildings Opportunity Development
These assistance requests are for the initiation and development of net-zero buildings projects, which could include a a review or analysis of energy conservation measures or initial analysis to pursue a project. For more information about this topic, download and read page 9 of the AFFECT Funding Opportunity Announcement.
U.S. Department of State
Multiple Locations
This project will help the Department of State (State Department) develop best practices, guidelines, and blueprints for scaling up on-site generation and off-site carbon pollution-free electricity (CFE) procurement across the department's international building stock portfolio. The AFFECT funding grant will allow the department to develop procedures for the use of on-site CFE technologies (solar and batteries) for electricity in developing countries, including four locations in Iraq, Lebanon, and Liberia that run primarily on diesel generators. The AFFECT funding will also support market and opportunity analysis for procuring off-site clean energy; to maximize feasibility, the listed facilities are in power markets which allow for individual customers to contract directly with power suppliers for electricity. AFFECT funding will support identifying the best financial model and contracting mechanism, based on technology availability, supply chain, and reliability for these sites.
The State Department used building energy consumption data to prioritize locations with high energy-savings and emissions-reduction potential, weighing regulatory environment, power cost, emissions factors, and energy consumption. The State Department plans to transition these sites to solar and battery electrical storage as the prime source of power, building on the success of this approach at Embassy Niamey, in Niger.
This project is essential for the U.S. Department of State (State Department) as it strives for 100% clean energy and net-zero, aligning with its role as the lead negotiating agency for the Paris Agreement. The focus is on leveraging AFFECT funding to develop best practices for clean energy projects, with a particular emphasis on the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), a critical facility for training department employees worldwide. The funding will be utilized to conduct technical assistance, planning analysis, and market exploration for 25 facilities, including FSI, aiming to install ground-mounted and rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with battery storage. The expected outcomes include issuing requests for proposals for energy conservation measures, prioritizing the FSI facility to set an example for the entire State Department. The project anticipates achieving 100% carbon pollution-free electricity at FSI with an estimated 20% reduction in kWh costs through solar PV designs.
U.S. Department of Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation William J. Hughes Technical Center (Egg Harbor Township)
This project will help the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) secure reliable, self-sufficient clean energy solutions for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT) nationwide, critical assets for air traffic safety, yet often in poor condition and reliant on traditional power sources. The funding will support an initial site evaluation at the William J. Hughes Technical Center in New Jersey, encompassing a feasibility assessment and the creation of an assessment tool for all ATCT locations. The anticipated results include establishing criteria for clean energy-driven, self-sustaining ATCTs, offering a proof of concept for scalable, replicable net-zero energy conservation measures applicable to all ATCT sites.
U.S. Department of Energy
Savannah River Site (Aiken, South Carolina)
This project will address the aging chilled water system at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS), analyzing energy conservation measures (ECMs) and pursuing an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) to replace outdated chillers supporting critical buildings. With a focus on replacing traditional chillers with modern, water-cooled, variable flow magnetic bearing chillers, the project aims to reduce electricity consumption, aligning with DOE's net-zero goals and enhancing SRS's impact on achieving net-zero across the DOE complex. The project plans to leverage ESPC subject matter expertise and direct funding for effective project execution. Notably, the use of standardized equipment, timing the replacement with the end of chiller service life, and the extended mission duration at SRS contribute to maximum energy and cost savings for the federal government, promoting sustainability and resilience over the next 40 years.
This project will help the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Site (SRS) implement a critical project—installing a 10-MW photovoltaic (PV) solar array and battery energy storage system (BESS) on about 70 acres. This initiative supports DOE's net-zero goals and commitment to net-zero building projects. Plans for the solar array have been in place since 2019, but funding constraints have hindered progress. SRS plays a pivotal role in achieving DOE's net-zero objectives. The project, a precursor to a larger 100-MW PV solar array, requires funding for utility energy service contract (UESC) expertise and direct project execution. This approach aims to maximize energy and cost savings by utilizing standardized equipment, implementing a single axis tracking mechanism, choosing a strategic location, and leveraging the extended mission duration at SRS. The project will analyze energy conservation measures and develop documentation for the 10-MW PV solar array and BESS through a UESC. AFFECT funding will not only impact this project but also serve as a blueprint for managing future solar array projects at SRS and throughout the DOE complex.
Brookhaven National Laboratory (Upton, New York)
This project will conduct a preliminary feasibility study and schematic design report at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) to assess the potential for a large-scale heat recovery system to meet the site's heating energy needs. If Phase I indicates economic viability, Phase II will follow for a detailed design effort and identification of potential project developers. BNL, a DOE research facility, aims to overcome the barrier of 30,000,000 kg CO2e annual scope 1 emissions from the central steam facility, hindering net-zero aspirations for the campus. The funding will support a campus-wide feasibility study, investigating heat recovery from evaporative cooling loads, and laying out preliminary design calculations, schematic designs, and an investment-grade financial analysis for potential heat recovery loop development. The study aims to understand the feasibility of heat recovery and its requirements, particularly with the anticipated waste heat from the future electron ion collider (EIC). The expected outcomes include a comprehensive feasibility report and the execution of a request for proposals (RFP) tailored for investigating electrifying campus heating through heat recovery from the EIC.
National Energy Technology Laboratory (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
This project will advance the National Energy Technology Lab's (NETL's) commitment to net-zero building goals and aims to make NETL the first in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by the end of Fiscal Year 2026. Focused on Building 901 (B-901) in Pittsburgh, this initiative involves incorporating energy efficiency upgrades, including a potential 260-kW solar array and battery energy storage, to showcase a net-zero and electric vehicle (EV) charging model for future campus buildings. The requested funding assistance will enable NETL to hire an architect/engineer, facilitating the design and investigation of identified energy conservation measures (ECMs) during an upcoming energy and water audit. Expected outcomes include the identification and analysis of ECMs such as building envelope upgrades, heat pump systems, LED lighting, EV charging, and a photovoltaic (PV) solar array, supporting NETL and DOE's goal of achieving a net-zero campus by 2050.
Western Area Power Administration (Phoenix, Arizona)
This project will involve conducting comprehensive sustainability-focused building assessments at five regional offices of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), located in Phoenix; Folsom, Calif.; Watertown, S.D.; and Loveland and Montrose, Colo. The assessments aim to create a holistic roadmap for net-zero building development, exploring options for significant energy conservation and cost savings, including rooftop solar, energy-efficient windows, HVAC improvements, and more. With dozens of buildings across WAPA's 15-state region, there is a substantial opportunity for enhancing energy efficiency. By identifying key areas for improvement, this initiative aligns with WAPA's commitment to providing renewable, reliable, and clean hydropower at the lowest possible rates. The goal is to determine the feasibility of a performance contract for energy conservation implementation, with lessons learned applied to replicate and scale improvements across WAPA's extensive geographic footprint and diverse building types.
Grand Junction Field Support Center (Grand Junction, Colorado)
This project will advance sustainability initiatives, incorporating net-zero building requirements into mission operations. Focusing on the Grand Junction Field Support Center in Colorado, Legacy Management (LM) aims to renovate the newly purchased office complex, approximately 61,000 gross square feet, for more than 240 employees. The funding request will support contracting energy engineers, construction experts, and procurement specialists to develop a design aligning with net-zero emissions initiatives. Potential energy conservation measures include deep energy retrofits, building automation systems, geothermal heat pumps, electrification, on-site renewable energy, LED lighting, and water conservation. The project, executed through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, may explore energy savings performance contracts (ESPCs) or utility energy service contracts (UESCs) as viable renovation procurement methods. The outcomes aim to enhance the facility's operational efficiency, reduce energy consumption and costs, and contribute to LM's proficiency in utilizing ESPC for future projects.
U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center (Huntsville, Alabama)
The U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, is the Army Corps of Engineers' Center of Excellence and Army's expert in Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPC) and Utility Energy Savings Contracts (UESC). The ESPC Team seeks to fund an innovative programmatic approach to Net-zero Army deployment, with a first major component covering the initiation of an assessment of viability of underutilized energy conservation measures (ECMs) in achieving Net-Zero buildings in Army operations.
With support of AFFECT Grant funds, the ESPC Program will renew and scale up the efforts of this net zero initiative to move toward Net-Zero Energy Installations (NZEI) to achieve the five impact areas of net-zero activities: reduce overall energy use, maximize efficiency, energy recovery, and co-generation opportunities, as well as offset the remaining energy demand with the production of renewable energy.
This AFFECT grant will help assess indeterminate, or underutilized ECMs at three sites (to start) to determine feasibility of an ESPC/UESC, life-cycle cost effectiveness, and support ongoing preliminary assessment work to advance operations of the Department's existing programs towards opportunities for Net-Zero Buildings at Army Installations. Net Zero ECMs will focus on power, water, waste, and carbon reduction.
The resulting and experiences will be packaged into educational materials for other project managers.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (Bay Pines, Florida)
Bay Pines Veteran Affairs Healthcare System is seeking AFFECT funding to initiate the Investment Grade Audit for the development of a groundbreaking net-zero Community Living Center, aligned with Executive Order 14057 goals. The proposed energy conservation measures (ECMs) include optimizing daylighting, exploring advanced HVAC technology, integrating renewable energy, connecting chiller plants, installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, creating a battery energy storage system, and implementing various efficiency measures across the facility. The expected outcomes encompass the initiation of a utility energy service contract (UESC), enabling the pursuit of net-zero goals, and establishing new building design criteria for future projects on the campus.
Topic 2 Selections: Modification of Existing Projects for Net-Zero Buildings
These projects are adding net-zero buildings energy conservation measures to previously awarded contracts. For more information about this topic, download and read page 9 of the AFFECT Funding Opportunity Announcement.
U.S. Department of the Interior
Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor, Maine)
The National Park Service (NPS) at Acadia National Park is removing the existing inefficient 20,000 square foot maintenance complex, four temporary trailers and 11 outbuildings, and constructing a new LEED Silver designed 32,000 square foot facility on the existing McFarland Hill headquarters campus in the town of Bar Harbor, Maine. However, the current funding allocation for this project does not include the capital improvements needed to move towards a net-zero emissions building or park. The proposed energy conservation measures supported by the AFFECT grant are a roof-top photovoltaic (PV) system and twelve bidirectional electric vehicle charging stations (EVSE).
The addition of a PV system, right-sized for Maine's climate and with financial feasibility in mind, would move the building and park towards net-zero emissions by generating over 50% of the new facility's energy use.
By generating direct energy cost savings of $60,800 per year, the AFFECT energy conservation measures (ECMs) will pay back in 16.1 years and will continue to accrue savings for the park for the remainder of the system's useful life. The AFFECT-funded PV project would generate 308,384 kWh/yr and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 74,654 kg CO2e while simultaneously furthering the park's understanding of the technology and benefits.
U.S. Department of Commerce
Mauna Loa Observatory (Waimea, Hawaii)
On Nov. 28, 2022, all measurements and radio transmissions from Mauna Loa Observatory (MLO) ceased when lava flows from the 12-day eruption of the Mauna Loa volcano cut the power line and buried over a mile of the access road to the observatory. Since November, access to the site has been limited to costly weekly visits by helicopter to collect limited atmospheric data. The modified observatory operations are powered by existing solar panels, which can only sustain roughly 10% of pre-eruption operations.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requests support of $5.09M from the AFFECT program to install solar panels and batteries at the observatory to make the facility net zero emissions, which would bring the critical atmospheric science instrumentation back online and significantly improve the site's operational climate resiliency. Since MLO already captures its water needs from roof systems, the observatory would be the first Department of Commerce facility to be net zero for both electricity and water. As the observatory is considered the definitive source for documenting the increased atmospheric burden of fossil fuel emissions, this project has the unique ability to eliminate 100% of the combustion of fossil-fueled electrical power to make those critical measurements.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Kahului Airport (Kahului, Hawaii)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is planning energy and water efficiency improvements and a solar photovoltaic (PV) installation at the Maui Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) in Kahului, Hawaii. The project includes replacing the site's 35-year-old HVAC system and associated controls equipment with high-efficiency equipment, making enhancements to the building envelope including window replacements, and installing a new 75-kW solar PV system, an advanced metering system, and water conservation measures.
These projects will reduce energy consumption by 118,960 kWh in the first year of operations and reduce energy costs by $1,754,012 over the 25-year life cycle. Water consumption will be reduced by 500 kGal/year or 20% of total annual water consumption with a 30% reduction in annual water costs. The PV system will generate 47% of facility energy needs on site and help increase in the facility's CFE consumption from 20% to 67%.
FAA has already released the solicitation for this project and anticipates awarding by the end of 2023. AFFECT funding would be applied to the contract as a modification at the time of award, allowing FAA to make additional progress against federal energy and climate resilience requirements set forth under EPAct 2005, EISA 2007, Energy Act of 2020, and E.O. 14057.
U.S. General Services Administration
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (Washington, D.C.)
This project aims to electrify the heating and domestic hot water service at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRBITC) facility in Washington, DC, replacing the building steam provided from the General Services Administration (GSA) Heating, Operation and Transmission Division (HOTD). RRBITC is part of a $93 million energy savings performance contract (ESPC) scheduled for final acceptance on April 30, 2024. This AFFECT funding will ensure that the full electrification project scope can be included as a modification to the existing ESPC and be accomplished within the existing performance period.
A combination of heat pumps and supplemental electric boilers will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually by 2,242 metric tons of CO2e, which is in addition to the 13,702 metric ton reduction from the base ESPC. The base ESPC is reducing energy consumption at the RRBITC by 39.1%, and the electrification of the building will improve the building energy reduction to 47.8%. This project is also estimated to reduce annual utility expenditures by over $160,000.
RRBITC is the largest building in GSAs portfolio and the first building on the HOTD plant that will be converted to comply with the Building Performance Standard, and it will serve as a blueprint for future building conversions. Due to the size of this facility, removing it from the HOTD system could have a domino effect in electrification of the remaining buildings on the system.
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Federal Executive Institute (Charlottesville, Virginia)
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) plans to transform the highly visible Federal Executive Institute (FEI) site in Charlottesville, Virginia, into a net-zero campus with an on-site microgrid and hands-on sustainability training for federal executives. Using $5.9 million in funding, OPM would implement several previously excluded energy conservation measures (ECMs) to reduce campus energy consumption, electrify all energy-consuming systems, install on-site solar photovoltaics (PV), and improve government-wide sustainability leadership. While many of the FEI ECMs were identified and developed during prior energy savings performance contract (ESPC) phases, they were removed from the final project scope due to project economics. This grant will augment the savings already generated by the previous ESPCs and further improve efficiency and sustainability of operations, increase occupant comfort, expand on-site renewable energy generation, upgrade HVAC and electrical infrastructure, and help create OPM's first net-zero campus. OPM will gain experience installing, operating, and maintaining fully electrified systems. These experiences will help shape future OPM projects and inform future capital planning decisions.
U.S. Department of Defense
The Pentagon (Arlington, Virginia)
This project will advance the net-zero energy goal at the Pentagon Campus, building on the success of Phase I by implementing key measures, such as rooftop solar panels, a heat-recovery heat pump system, and solar thermal panels to reduce reliance on natural gas and fuel oil combustion systems. Currently over 95% of the Pentagon Campus's space heating and hot water heating is served by fossil fuels. The project is a significant step toward a net-zero energy footprint. HVAC recommissioning, solar photovoltaic (PV), and heat pump installations are planned to enhance energy efficiency, while the project's success will inform future net-zero initiatives at the Pentagon, with potential savings of over 7 million kWh of electricity and 128,157 MMBtu of natural gas per year, leading to an estimated annual total energy cost reduction of $1,357,864 and a significant greenhouse gas reduction of 8,861,845 kg-CO2. The project's economic viability is enhanced with AFFECT funds, allowing for the implementation of all proposed energy conservation measures. The expected project cost is $21,125,000, with a simple payback period of 14.1 years.
U.S. Department of Energy
James V. Forrestal Federal Building (Washington, D.C.)
The Forrestal Windows Upgrade project will promote the Department of Energy's (DOE's) efforts to be a leader in net‐zero building projects. The project, as part of a larger energy savings performance contract (ESPC), will upgrade more than 86,000 square feet of windows as an innovative response to obtaining thermally efficient windows at affordable costs with limited impact to building occupants and operations.
This project will transform the windows from original 1960's single‐pane to add double‐pane, low‐e secondary windows on the interior of the building. The thermal performance of the windows will be quadrupled by the project. Quadrupling the thermal performance of the windows will result in reduced energy consumption across facility systems. The largest energy savings will be seen in the building HVAC systems with reduced cooling and heating loads. Secondary savings will occur through reduced supplemental heating and cooling methods ranging from supplement fan coil units to plug‐in fans and heaters. Forrestal energy savings will occur in electrical consumption, steam consumption, and chilled water consumption.
The completion of this project will save DOE an estimated $267,000 per year and reduce greenhouse gases by 12% (scope 1) and 27% (scope 2).
Topic 3 Selections: New/In Development Net-Zero Buildings Projects
These are new projects in development that support net-zero buildings efforts. For more information about this topic, download and read page 10 of the AFFECT Funding Opportunity Announcement.
U.S. Department of Defense
Creech Air Force Base (Indian Springs, Nevada)
This project will enhance Creech Air Force Base's (AFB's) 3-MW solar photovoltaic (PV) and 3-MW/3-MWh battery energy storage (BESS) project, enabling a total of 4.0-MW PV and 4.93-MW/6.85-MWh BESS. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy resilience, and achieve net-zero building goals. The expanded microgrid, coupled with energy conservation measures (ECMs) like upgraded controls, LED lighting, and HVAC improvements, will lower energy usage, reduce emissions, and enhance mission assurance. The additional funding will increase the decarbonization benefits, contributing to Creech AFB's compliance with several executive orders. The outcome includes expanded PV and BESS capacity, serving critical facilities during outages, reducing carbon emissions, and advancing net-zero objectives.
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort (Beaufort, South Carolina)
This AFFECT funding will support a 1.16 MW-AC solar photovoltaic (PV) carport over the parking lot adjacent to the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort gymnasium and dining facility. This energy conservation measure (ECM) is part of a utility energy services contract (UESC) with Dominion Energy and will generate renewable electricity to offset 100% of the gymnasium's commercial energy usage and 77% of the commercial energy usage at the dining facility, supporting net-zero facility efforts at the installation, improving energy diversity, and reducing carbon emissions from local power plants. This effort expands on the ongoing net-zero efforts at the installation gymnasium, which include solar hot water production, water to water chiller waste heat reclamation, rainwater collection, and 25-KW of solar PV. The UESC also includes more than 11,000 LED lighting retrofits to reduce facility energy usage across the installation, and electrical distribution improvements as the first phase of a comprehensive sitewide microgrid that will tie in alternative fuel sources and renewables to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide climate resilient infrastructure in the event of a commercial outage.
The AFFECT funding will supplement the cost of the 1.16-MW solar PV system, which is the optimal size needed to support the site's gymnasium and dining facilities but is not currently fully financeable in the UESC. Combined with the other already self-amortizing ECMs in the UESC, the requested grant funding will reduce project payback from 39.3 years to 12.1 years, allowing the entirety of the project to maintain a payback of less than 25 years.
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (Oak Harbor, Washington)
Steam distribution losses are the top use of building energy at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Washington, and this project will enable the base to eliminate its natural-gas-fired steam plant and miles of distribution system and install new electrified heating and cooling systems at the building level. The funding will also allow NAS Whidbey Island to upgrade already undersized electric feeders, enabling the electrification of buildings on these feeders, targeting additional load for immediate electrification, and readying the base for further electrification. Additionally, the Navy will utilize an energy savings performance contract (ESPC) and $4.35 million in utility incentives to reduce fossil fuel dependence and greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience at the base by adding solar photovoltaics (PV), heat pumps, a microgrid, small-scale carbon capture, LED light fixtures, and lighting controls.
This is an all-or-nothing decentralization project, as the greatest cost savings will come from removing the steam plant and its operations and maintenance (O&M) costs. These savings will fund O&M of the new heat pump systems and provide approximately $1 million per year in additional savings. The project will reduce fossil fuel use by 60%, save 5.5 million kg of CO2e, and eliminate over 66,000 MMBTU per year of natural gas wasted via steam distribution system losses.
The utility grid that feeds NAS Whidbey Island is currently 35% renewable. The Washington State Clean Energy Transformation Act requires net zero carbon emission by utilities by 2030; therefore, each additional electrified building will be a net‐zero building in 2030 with no further action required by the Navy.
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay (Kings Bay, Georgia)
This project will enhance Naval Support Activity Mid-South's (NSAMS) resilience and energy efficiency through a utility energy service contract (UESC), incorporating a larger (6-MW) photovoltaic (PV) array, air handler replacements, and additional chiller upgrades. The AFFECT grant will address funding shortfalls, enabling an expanded solar PV array and battery energy storage system to offset 18% of the site's grid consumption, effectively removing 25 NSAMS facilities from the grid and contributing significantly toward achieving net-zero goals. The project aims to enhance energy and water resilience, security, conservation, and load management, aligning with federal goals to transition infrastructure to zero-emission, carbon pollution-free electricity and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Naval Support Activity Mid‐South (Millington, Tennessee)
The Utility Energy Service Contract (UESC) project will modernize Naval Support Activity Mid-South's (NSAMS) infrastructure coupled with on‐site electric generation sources to provide continuity of critical mission during electric utility outages and enhances the resilience of the installation.
The AFFECT funding will help reduce the site's overall energy consumption, lower NSAMS's carbon footprint, and steer the entire base towards net‐zero. The project economics currently support 4 MW of on‐site renewable solar photovoltaic (PV) generation and a 1.5 MW/3 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to provide energy resiliency for the site's most critical facility, Building 769. This battery can support the building's most critical loads in the event of a loss of power for two hours, after which an existing diesel fuel backup generator would have to be utilized.
The AFFECT funding would help bridge the gap needed to install up to 6 MW of solar PV and up the size of the BESS to 1.5 MW/6 MWh. This increased size would allow for the battery to serve Building 769 for a minimum of 4 hours. The funding would also help expand the HVAC system and chiller plant improvements.
The project will displace 18% of the site's current grid purchased electricity by installing onsite renewable generation sources (PV and BESS).
U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden (Wiesbaden, Germany)
This project will add solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays on six soldiers' barracks buildings, one command center, and one office complex at Clay Kaserne, U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Wiesbaden, Germany. USAG Wiesbaden is the home of U.S. Army Europe and Africa Headquarters, servicing 15 installations and housing areas in and around Wiesbaden. The Wiesbaden energy savings performance contract (ESPC), currently in the development/comment resolution phase, had to remove this solar PV energy conservation measure (ECM) due to unfavorable economics including escalating interest rates. However, by incorporating AFFECT grant money into the ESPC, a contract modification would be issued to expand the scope of work to include PV and allow for faster contract execution and better financials.
The PV system will provide 38% of building power and offset 181 metric tons of CO2 annually (the equivalent of 392,144 lb. of coal burned annually). The solar PV arrays will average 50–75 kW DC per building and maximize the available roof space. The barracks, on average, will be 38% closer to net-zero, with the highest reaching 75% of net-zero. Bringing the eight buildings closer to net-zero is just one piece of USAG Wiesbaden's energy independence goal. By applying $1.4 million of AFFECT funding to the ESPC, Wiesbaden will be able to provide greater energy security to meet mission operations and help meet Executive Orders 14057 and 14008 goals.
U.S. Department of Energy
Hanford Site (Richland, Washington)
This project aims to replace evaporator diesel-powered boilers with electric boilers in the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) at the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM) Hanford Site in Richland, Washington. The Hanford site has one of DOE's largest, most complex and energy-intensive missions—treating 56 million gallons of legacy tank waste stored in 158 of the 177 underground waste tanks across the site. The WTP uses vitrification, a process where waste is combined with glass formers, fed to a furnace known as a glass melter, and turned into glass. DOE will use AFFECT funding to partially fund the addition of a new electric steam plant to supply steam for the WTP vitrification processes.
Hanford currently accounts for approximately one-third of EM's total carbon emissions. When the WTP begins operating, it will roughly double Hanford's energy demands. Thus, addressing emissions at these facilities is key to Hanford's net-zero approach and helps create a waste treatment process that is less impactful to global climate change. This project has the potential to save DOE $15.6 million in fuel costs per year in full operations, saving $904 million in fuel costs over the life of the mission (at 2023 fuel prices with no escalation). Further, this proposal would help Hanford reduce its future greenhouse gas footprint by 43.3 million kg CO2e per year and 2.5 billion kg CO2e over the 60-year mission life.
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (Princeton, New Jersey)
This project will focus on the Princeton Plasma Innovation Center (PPIC) building, aiming to implement energy conservation measures (ECMs), including a geothermal system funded by the AFFECT grant, to achieve a fully electrified and net-zero emission facility. The requested funding will significantly expand the geothermal bore field, enabling the system to meet 100% of the building's annual and peak heating and cooling loads. The grant will contribute to showcasing the PPIC as a sustainable model, incorporating ECMs like heat recovery chiller-heaters and energy-efficient lighting, with data on building performance available both onsite and online. Additionally, the funding is expected to provide a 16% increase in energy savings, extend the geothermal system's lifespan, and support the PPIC in becoming a prominent example of innovative technology for electrifying buildings.
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (Menlo Park, California)
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory identified facilities utilizing aged High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting in hi-bay buildings that are susceptible to bulb explosion, energy inefficiency and challenging access for maintenance bulb replacement. SLAC started replacing lighting in 2017 and made good progress over the first 3 years, however work stalled due to inflationary pressure.
This project will reduce lighting energy by approximately 90% at SLAC due to the improved efficiency of the new LED fixtures, improved luminary properties, dimming, timed shutoff and installation of wireless wall switches that will allow the lights to run approximately 10 hours per day on weekdays. Currently the HID lights remain on 24 hours, 7 days per week due to a lack of accessible switches. With AFFECT funding, SLAC can complete this lighting replacement in five buildings to help drive all these facilities to net-zero emissions.
The expected costs savings of this project is $14,599 annually, which translates to a payback period of 4.6 years. This project will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42,806 kg CO2e per year.
U.S. Department of Transportation
Poland Street Warehouse (New Orleans, Louisiana)
This project will transform a Maritime Administration (MARAD)-owned wharf warehouse building in New Orleans into a showcase net-zero emissions facility by integrating a 100-kW solar photovoltaic (PV) carport with electric vehicle (EV) charging and a battery energy storage system into the ongoing renovation project. MARAD is already investing in critical energy-efficient features and this project will elevate that progress. The solar PV and battery energy storage additions will enhance resilience, providing up to two days of backup power and reducing future utility costs. Beyond direct savings and emissions reduction, this project will serve as a model for future net-zero emissions initiatives, showcasing the potential for significant regional greenhouse gas emission reductions and providing substantial cost savings for MARAD.
U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters (Washington, D.C.)
This project will implement three energy conservation measures (ECMs) to assist the U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters (DOT HQ) in achieving LEED platinum status, aligning with sustainability goals and net-zero energy targets. The proposed ECMs include LED light installation, occupancy sensor implementation in low-occupancy areas, and the application of photovoltaic (PV) film on south-facing windows, providing solar electricity generation and shading benefits. These measures aim to reduce energy consumption by 2.8 GWh/year, achieve total savings of 8,679 MMBtu/year, and contribute to the attainment of LEED Platinum certification for DOT HQ, with an estimated annual savings of $473,030 for the federal government and relatively short payback periods for the initiatives, emphasizing high impacts for low investment.
U.S. General Services Administration
Denver Federal Center (Lakewood, Colorado)
The centerpieces of this project are two renewable energy conservation measures (ECMs) – solar PV and geothermal heating and cooling. These ECMs are designed to help the GSA achieve its goals of electrification and decarbonization of the Denver Federal Center (DFC) campus.
The solar PV scope of work includes the installation of up to 13.9-MWDC ground mounted bifacial solar PV to provide up to 21.5 million kWh annually of carbon pollution-free electricity.
Additionally, GSA intends to eliminate the use of natural gas for heating in the majority of the buildings on the DFC campus by implementation of a geothermal system that takes advantage of the relatively consistent year-round ground temperature as a heat sink in the summer and a heat source during the winter. The geothermal system will provide an all-electric heating source to replace existing natural gas fired boilers. Electricity for the new geothermal heat pump systems will be provided by the newly installed solar PV panels.