The Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) has awarded a $97 million contract to Granite Construction and Obayashi Corporations to enhance Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capabilities at Polaris Point, Guam.
The project involves constructing a 17,000-square-foot BESS military microgrid designed to bolster energy security and resilience against cyberattacks and extreme weather conditions. This system will interconnect with the existing grid at the facility, ensuring uninterrupted power during emergencies.
Construction is slated to commence in March 2025, with completion expected by 2028. Once operational, the enhanced BESS will support critical operations at facilities such as Submarine Squadron 15, located at Polaris Point.
This initiative aligns with the Department of Defense's (DoD) broader strategy to integrate advanced microgrid and battery storage technologies across military installations. Such systems store energy during periods of low demand and release it during peak usage, thereby improving grid stability and reducing reliance on traditional power sources.
The DoD has been actively investing in microgrid projects to enhance energy resilience. For example, the Arctic Grid Energy Solutions (AGES) project aims to develop standardized microgrid units with battery storage capabilities, tailored for cold regions. Additionally, the Consortium for Battery Innovation has collaborated on projects to develop transportable lead battery energy storage systems for tactical microgrids.
By 2035, the U.S. Army plans to have microgrids at nearly every installation.
