Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is developing a large solar array at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, through an innovative partnership that will help the U.S. Army achieve its renewable energy and energy security objectives.
The groundbreaking partnership represents a capacity of approximately 18MW when it comes online later this year. TEP will own and operate the array, providing Fort Huachuca with unmatched reliability and a streamlined development process available only through this unique partnership. TEP has contracted with E.ON Climate & Renewables, a partner on other successful solar projects, for the system’s construction.
“This new partnership will benefit our customers while helping both the base and TEP make significant progress toward our respective renewable energy goals,” said David Hutchens, President and CEO of TEP and its parent company, UNS Energy Corporation.
The Fort Huachuca system will be larger than any existing solar array on any U.S. Department of Defense base in the world. Once in operation, it will serve as the largest single solar resource owned by TEP. The system will be connected to an existing substation through a single interconnection on TEP’s side of the meter. Any excess energy the system generates will flow back into the grid for use by other TEP customers.
Combined with energy storage and other future enhancements, the system will be capable of providing the base with unique energy security benefits that would not be available through a third-party system. TEP’s engineering capabilities and familiarity with renewable energy integration will help the base avoid interconnection delays, permitting problems and other common pitfalls associated with building a solar array.
“By working creatively with Fort Huachuca’s leadership and the Army’s Energy Initiatives Task Force, we were able to develop a solution that serves our customer’s energy needs while establishing a model that supports the Army’s mission to expand its renewable resources,” said Philip J. Dion, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Customer Solutions.