Wright-Patt Energy Office advances resiliency, efficiency projects – wpafb.af.mil

Energy Resilience and Sustainability Initiatives at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

Introduction

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio is undertaking a series of significant energy projects aimed at enhancing the base’s self-sufficiency and reducing vulnerability to power outages. These initiatives align closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Major Energy Projects Under the Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program

Funded through a military construction program, the base is modernizing its energy infrastructure to reduce dependence on outdated and inefficient systems. The key projects include:

1. Backup Power Line for Area B
   • Installation of a new power line to provide a redundant electricity source for critical facilities in Area B.
   • Ensures continuous operation during primary power source failures, enhancing energy resilience (SDG 7, SDG 9).
2. Modern Cooling System
   • Development of a district cooling plant to supply efficient and reliable cooling across the base.
   • Supports energy conservation and reduces environmental impact (SDG 7, SDG 13).
3. Microgrids for Critical Facilities
   • Implementation of independent microgrids at the Intelligence Facility and Command District.
   • Allows these vital areas to operate autonomously during wider power outages, increasing operational resilience (SDG 7, SDG 9).
4. Transition from Steam Heat to Modern Heating Units
   • Gradual replacement of the old steam-based heating system with efficient individual heating units.
   • Reduces energy consumption, maintenance costs, and reliance on specialized labor (SDG 7, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production).

Additional Energy Efficiency Measures

Beyond large-scale infrastructure upgrades, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is conducting comprehensive energy audits and retro-commissioning activities to identify further energy-saving opportunities:

• Replacement of outdated fluorescent lighting with energy-efficient LED systems.
• Optimization of heating and cooling system performance for maximum efficiency.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

These initiatives contribute significantly to the achievement of multiple SDGs:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – By upgrading to reliable, efficient energy systems and incorporating microgrids, the base ensures access to sustainable energy.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Modernizing energy infrastructure enhances resilience and supports critical defense operations.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Energy audits and system upgrades promote efficient use of resources and reduce waste.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Reduced energy consumption and improved efficiency contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

A spokesperson from the Installation Energy Management Office emphasized the strategic importance of these upgrades: “These enhancements will make Wright-Patterson more resilient and less dependent on external energy sources, ensuring the base can continue its critical mission even during power disruptions.”

Overall, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s comprehensive energy resilience and conservation efforts position it as a leader in sustainable military infrastructure, supporting long-term operational effectiveness and environmental stewardship.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses upgrading energy infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and increasing energy resilience at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Modernizing the base’s energy systems and implementing microgrids reflect innovation and infrastructure development.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Improving resilience to power outages and ensuring critical facilities remain operational supports sustainable community infrastructure.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Reducing energy consumption and moving away from less efficient steam heating contributes to climate mitigation efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 7 Targets
   • 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (implied by energy efficiency and resilience projects).
   • 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency (energy audits, retro-commissioning, and replacing old systems).
   • 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology (through military construction funding and programmatic support).
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
3. SDG 11 Targets
   • 11.b: Increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
4. SDG 13 Targets
   • 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Energy Resilience and Reliability Indicators
   • Number of backup power lines and microgrids installed to ensure continuous operation during outages.
   • Reduction in downtime or power disruptions at critical facilities.
2. Energy Efficiency Indicators
   • Reduction in energy consumption through replacing steam heat with efficient heating units.
   • Energy savings from retro-commissioning and replacing fluorescent lights with LEDs.
   • Maintenance cost reductions due to more efficient systems.
3. Infrastructure Modernization Indicators
   • Number of modernized systems (cooling plants, heating units) implemented.
   • Extent of electrical grid upgrades.
4. Climate Action Indicators
   • Decrease in fossil fuel or steam-based energy use.
   • Overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions related to energy use at the base (implied).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wpafb.af.mil