Net Zero Energy Analysis Approach for Military Installations
Net zero energy is a concept of energy self-sufficiency based on minimized demand and use of local renewable energy resources. A net zero energy military installation is defined as: 'A military installation that produces as much energy on-site from renewable energy generation or through the on-site use of renewable fuels, as it consumes in its buildings, facilities, and fleet vehicles.' [1] TheNational Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind strategy for evaluating a military installation's potential to achieve net zero energy status, including an assessment of baseline energy use, energy use reduction opportunities from efficiency or behavior changes, renewable energy generation opportunities, electrical systems analysis of renewableinterconnection, microgrid potential, and transportation energy savings. This paper describes NREL's net zero energy assessment strategy and provides a planning guide for other organizations interested in evaluating net zero potential. We also present case studies and describe lessons learned from NREL's net zero energy assessments at seven installations, including the importance of enforcing and funding mandates, providing leadership support, collecting accurate data, and selecting appropriate technologies. Finally, we evaluate whether the net zero concept is a useful framework for analyzing an energy strategy and a reasonable goal.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308
- OSTI ID:
- 1506056
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/CP-7A40-50575
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Net Zero Energy Military Installations: A Guide to Assessment and Planning
Targeting Net Zero Energy for Military Installations (Presentation)
Targeting Net Zero Energy at Fort Carson: Assessment and Recommendations
Technical Report
·
Sun Aug 01 00:00:00 EDT 2010
·
OSTI ID:986668
Targeting Net Zero Energy for Military Installations (Presentation)
Conference
·
Tue May 01 00:00:00 EDT 2012
·
OSTI ID:1040940
Targeting Net Zero Energy at Fort Carson: Assessment and Recommendations
Technical Report
·
Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 2011
·
OSTI ID:1027159