Schofield Generating Facility on Oahu proves its capacity to power Army microgrid
According to a joint exercise conducted by Hawaiian Electric and the Schofield Generating Station (SGS) on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, the capacity to power a utility-owned microgrid consisting of three U.S. Army installations U.S. Army.
The test confirmed that if power is lost at Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, and Field Station Kunia – all critical lifelines during an emergency – the three installations can be powered with 100 percent renewable energy from the Schofield-based power plant. The exercise was the result of a collaborative effort between Hawaiian Electric, the U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii, the U.S. Army Office of Energy Initiatives, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“Schofield Generating Station has been providing 100 percent renewable, reliable energy to our customers for several years now,” Jack Shriver, Hawaiian Electric director of project development, said. “This successful test adds ‘resilient’ to that list. Schofield Generating Station can keep critical infrastructure operating during a major outage, hastening recovery.”
Wheeler Army Airfield is home to Hawaii Army National Guard helicopter units and the Civil Air Patrol. During emergencies, it can be used as a Federal Emergency Management Agency air access and staging site. The ability to provide utility-grade microgrid power to these facilities during an emergency could significantly improve disaster response for the entire State of Hawaii.
“The Schofield Generating Station provides reliable access to energy during power disruptions and ensures Army readiness,” Jack Surash, assistant secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment, said. “This SGS test demonstrates the power of microgrid capabilities to successfully isolate from the main Oahu grid when needed and deliver enhanced energy resilience to benefit the Army.”
Hawaiian Electric’s 50-megawatt Schofield Generating Station came online in 2018. It is located on eight acres at Schofield Barracks that the Army is leasing to the company. During normal operations, SGS sends power to the grid daily to benefit all customers. SGS is the only power plant on Oahu located inland, protected from the potential impact of storms, tsunami, and rising sea level. Since commissioning, it has operated on 100 percent locally refined biodiesel.
