Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading energy solutions provider specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, today announced the successful completion of the $10.9 million Water Resiliency Microgrid Project at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR). The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on February 26, 2025, marked a significant milestone in WSMR’s commitment to enhancing energy and water resiliency.
This project which was designed and built by HSGS-Ameresco, LLC, a joint venture certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) by the Small Business Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), delivers energy generation, smart controls, and building efficiency solutions to the VA and other Federal agencies nationwide.
The innovative microgrid system, which integrates a 700kW solar photovoltaic array, a 500kW natural gas generator, and a 500kW lithium-ion battery system, will provide backup power to four groundwater wells on the range. This helps WSMR maintain its critical missions without disruption, even during extended power outages.
The microgrid project aligns with the U.S. Army’s requirement of sustaining water and power on for up to fourteen days without relying on civilian supplies. This self-sufficient energy system, designed to serve a specific geographic area, helps ensure that critical missions at WSMR can proceed without interruption. By guaranteeing the continuous supply of potable water to the main post, the microgrid highlights WSMR’s dedication to maintaining operational readiness and integrating future construction projects with sustainable and resilient energy solutions.
“The project helps WSMR meet the U.S. Army’s requirement of 14-day energy and water independence for installations,” said Craig Collins, WSMR Installation Energy Manager. “We don’t have to worry about power outages affecting our water supply. We can keep pumping water even during power outages.”
Harnessing the power of advanced technology, the newly implemented microgrid at White Sands Missile Range integrates multiple energy sources to ensure a reliable and continuous power supply. The solar array captures energy from the sun during the day, while the natural gas generator provides a dependable backup power source. The lithium-ion battery system efficiently stores excess energy generated by the solar array and releases it when needed, helping to ensure an uninterrupted power supply. This entire system is managed by an advanced microgrid controller that optimizes energy production and distribution, balancing the load between the solar array, generator, and battery storage.
“This microgrid project is a great example of how innovative energy solutions can enhance the resilience and efficiency of critical infrastructure,” said Nicole Bulgarino, President of Federal Solutions and Utility Infrastructure at Ameresco. ” Our collaboration with White Sands Missile Range has resulted in a robust system that ensures continuous operation and supports the mission readiness of the installation. We are proud to contribute to a more sustainable and secure energy future.”
“This would not be possible without our hard work and the collaboration of our partners, our contractors, planners and especially the Garrison DPW team and other key stakeholders,” said WSMR Garrison Commander Col. Donyeill Mozer. “Their dedication in making this project a reality ensures that White Sands Missile Range will have the infrastructure needed to support our current and future operations.”
“As an Army veteran every time I go to an Army base and work alongside fellow soldiers and contractors it feels like I am coming home,” said Dave McNeil, CEO/President of Hannah Solar Government Services-Ameresco, LLC. “I am really proud of the fact that our company is dedicated to providing energy security for America and especially for our Army and our military.”
The successful implementation of the microgrid project at White Sands Missile Range highlights a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. This project enhances energy resiliency and operational readiness, demonstrating how effective partnerships can address unique energy challenges. It contributes to a more sustainable and secure future for our nation’s infrastructure.
