What:          

The U.S. Army, along with Lockheed Martin and the Department of Defense, will unveil the DOD's first grid-tied intelligent microgrid integrating renewable resources and energy storage at a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 16 at Fort Bliss, Texas. The Fort Bliss microgrid integrates renewable energy, local power generation, energy storage, and load management to guarantee uninterrupted power despite adverse conditions. In addition, the microgrid will reduce energy costs at the base.

Who:            

Maj. Gen. Pittard, Fort Bliss Commanding General, and Jim Gribschaw, Lockheed Martin Director of Energy Programs, will highlight the microgrid's capabilities and its importance to the progress of national energy efficiency initiatives.

When:       

10:30 a.m. Mountain, Thursday, May 16, 2013. 

Where:     

Enlisted Personnel Dining Facility at the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) #1 at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas. Media can also call in at 915-744-0159 no later than 12:25 p.m. Eastern/11:25 a.m. Central/10:25 a.m. Mountain.

Background: 

Lockheed Martin was selected by the U.S. Department of Defense's Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) to demonstrate an Intelligent Microgrid at the U.S. Army's Brigade Combat Team complex at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Lockheed Martin's installation will prove the Microgrid's ability to provide additional power in times of high energy demand, while reducing overall cost. The demonstration will also show the system's ability to maintain power to critical operations despite the elimination of a major power source. Upon successful completion, Lockheed Martin's Intelligent Microgrid demonstration will help pave the way to the implementation of this technology to a wider range of Department of Defense facilities.

An Intelligent Microgrid manages the distribution of electrical power generated by various sources, continuously balancing loads and supplies while ensuring that all elements of the grid perform at peak efficiency, whether they're connected to a larger grid or operating in an isolated mode. The microgrid helps to stabilize fragile power grids, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut energy costs, as well as enhance energy security of government installations.

Questions: 

For more information contact Major Joe Buccino, Fort Bliss Public Affairs Officer: (915) 472-0287, joseph.p.buccino.mil@mail.mil

Or Geneva Greene, Lockheed Martin Communications: (972) 603-9171, geneva.greene@lmco.com.  

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/intelligentmicrogrid