Beale takes next step in energy resilience

  • Published
  • By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  The Defense Logistics Agency and the Air Force released a request for information regarding the pursuit of energy resilience at Beale Air Force Base, California, on June 8.

The Air Force selected Beale AFB as the lead site for the Resilient Energy Demonstration Initiative program earlier this year, after Air Combat Command deemed it to have the necessary components to be successful in that capacity.

The RFI is a component of REDI and aims to identify and demonstrate potential installation energy resilience projects, and develop a sustainable and replicable process for implementing projects across the Air Force.

"This RFI is an important step to enhance mission assurance through energy assurance," said Miranda Ballentine, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and energy. "Through REDI, the Air Force will demonstrate new ways to power critical missions on our installations by incorporating and integrating 21st century technologies and procurement strategies."

The RFI, which will remain open for responses until July 15, asks energy developers or other potential respondents to suggest approaches for creating resilient energy systems. These systems could include energy generation, storage and microgrid controls technologies, and also require integrating existing authorities for government and privately financed energy projects.

Senior Air Force leaders have applauded the RFI's focus on tying energy investments to mission sustainment.

"Strategic energy agility -- both in the air and in the ground -- is key to robust intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance," said Gen. Hawk Carlisle, the ACC commander. "Through this REDI project, we are deploying game changing energy technologies to ensure combatant commanders have the ISR to win."

Mark Correll, the deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for environment, safety and infrastructure, said, "This RFI represents a new approach for how the Air Force pursues energy assurance for its installations.

“By connecting Beale AFB's core missions with their energy requirements directly, we will ensure that our energy investments are targeted to enhance our military capability. And by adopting a holistic approach to energy resilience, we hope to encourage creative collaboration with industry partners."

The RFI can be found here.