Case Study: United States Coast Guard Academy enhances resiliency and cuts energy use with Ameresco microgrid and efficiency solutions

USCG’s Energy Security Project Enhances Resiliency and Reduces 60% in Consumption

The United States Coast Guard Academy, via USCG Training Center Petaluma, faced major energy security and resiliency challenges from climate-related hazards and needed a way to maintain operations during utility outages. To address this, the customer worked with Ameresco on an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) to modernize its electric infrastructure and support mission continuity.

Ameresco implemented a two-phase microgrid and efficiency project that included a 5.0 MW solar PV system, 2.9 MW/11.6 MWh battery storage, 600 kW of backup diesel generators, new transformers, smart controls, LED lighting upgrades for more than 8,000 fixtures, EV charging, and HVAC improvements. The project is expected to cut electricity use by 8.7 million kWh, reduce propane use by 50.8 kgal, lower CO2 emissions by 3,930 metric tons annually, and deliver more than $1.2 million in annual cost savings while enabling multi-day backup power.

United States Coast Guard Academy

Rear Admiral Carola

Chief Engineer