Case Study: U.S. Air Force achieves 48% energy savings and greater compressed air reliability with Southland Industries

U.S. Air Force boosts compressed air reliability and cuts energy use 48% with Southland Industries

The U.S. Air Force faced a critical challenge with aging compressed air plants at Robins Air Force Base. Significant leaks in the 20–30 year old system caused production outages that adversely impacted its mission, with estimated daily productivity losses of $2–4 million. The vendor, Southland Industries, partnered through a Utility Energy Services Contract (UESC) to address these issues with energy efficiency and resiliency upgrades.

Southland Industries self-performed the development, design, and construction of new central compressed air plants, completing all work while ensuring 100% operational service. The solution achieved a 48% energy reduction and provided 100% compressor redundancy in a 2N configuration. This significantly increased system reliability, eliminated mission impacts, and provided the Air Logistics Complex with critical operational flexibility.

U.S. Air Force