The Army introduced its first microgrid power-supply system May 16, which would meet energy needs and provide at least a 20-percent cost savings in the process. The $2.4 million microgrid will employ a 120-kilowatt solar-panel array and a 300-kilowatt energy storage system and utility grid interconnection to Fort Hood, Texas. The microgrid is now in its demonstration phase, which is expected to last through July. More energy-efficiency innovations are in store for Bliss as well. The post has in place a 1.4-megawatt array of solar panels. Bliss will join with the local power company, El Paso Electric, to produce and provide another 20 megawatts of efficient power.
