Enhancing Operational Readiness: The Tactical Microgrid Standard and The Impact of Microgrids on Modern Military Bases

As the U.S. Military accelerates its efforts to improve energy resilience, microgrids have become crucial for ensuring operational readiness. Military facilities need reliable and adaptable energy sources to withstand unpredictable disruptions—from inclement weather, cyber threats, or hostile attacks. The installation of microgrids is central to providing secure, efficient, and flexible power generation regardless of circumstance. 

Current State of Tactical Microgrids  

The new Tactical Microgrid Standard (TMS) outlines the communication and control interface requirements for power components within tactical microgrids, emphasizing the necessity of microgrids on military bases. Like most tactical manuals, the TMS TM provides not only the standards for interoperability but also speaks to the value microgrids can provide, including:   

• • Enhanced Resilience and Redundancy  

• • Adaptability and Efficiency  

• • Comprehensive Control and Monitoring  

• • Support for Future Technologies  
    
    

In the broader context of Army and total military readiness, ensuring a resilient, self-sustaining power infrastructure mitigates risks posed by malicious attacks and reduces vulnerability to disruptions in energy supply.  

"The Army will install a microgrid on every installation by 2035. The Army will also pursue enough renewable energy generation and battery storage capacity to self-sustain its critical missions on all its installations by 2040."
The Department of the Army’s  2022 Climate Strategy  

The Department of Defense and the Department of Energy have shown increasing support in the role microgrids will play in ensuring that military bases and installations can maintain power independently of the primary grid, vital during natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or other disruptions.  

“Fixed military installations are vital to our nation’s security. Loss of their full capabilities due to outages would diminish our nation’s warfighting potential in a crisis. installations, historically springboards for warfighter deployment,  have increasingly become command centers for essential support operations, as well as staging areas  or critical humanitarian and homeland defense missions. If an installation loses power today, this would not be a merely local  event. Global missions might also be strained.”
Business Executive National Security Report: Power the Fight: Capturing Smart Microgrid Potential for DoD Installation Energy Security 

Implementing TMS-compliant microgrids represents a significant step forward in modernizing the Army's energy infrastructure, ensuring it can generate, store, and manage power locally to enhance the Army's resilience and operational flexibility. Ultimately, supporting the complex and dynamic needs of modern military operations.  

Tactical Microgrids: Key Features and Challenges 

Efficient Microgrid and Power Management 

Tactical microgrids ensure effective management between microgrids by utilizing TMS-compliant data and Microgrid Controllers. These components optimize energy distribution, supporting installation energy resilience and maintaining power to critical systems during disruptions. 

Flexibility and Adaptability 

Microgrids incorporate legacy components and non-TMS-compliant devices into a cohesive network, making it easier to transition to improved microgrids without overhauling existing systems. 

Integration with Alternative Technologies 

• • Electric Combat Vehicles and Aerial Vehicles: Military microgrids provide scalable energy solutions for multi-domain operations, powering advanced technologies like energy weapons and autonomous vehicles.
  • Load-bearing Optimization: Leveraging artificial intelligence, microgrids dynamically respond to load demand and adapt to harsh environments.

Challenges in Tactical Microgrid Implementation 

While the TMS provides a framework for integrating microgrids into military operations, several challenges remain. Developing and maintaining microgrids requires significant financial investment, making it critical to demonstrate long-term cost savings and operational benefits to secure funding. Integrating modern microgrid technology with older infrastructure is complex, necessitating seamless communication and operation across components. Additionally, personnel needs training in energy management systems, smart grid operations, and cybersecurity to implement and maintain microgrids effectively.  

Aligning microgrid projects with federal, state, and military regulations also requires thorough planning and collaboration with compliance teams. Partnering with microgrid experts can help overcome these complications by providing specialized knowledge and support in technology integration, training, and regulatory compliance. 

Retrofitting Strategies for Tactical Microgrids 

To support complete base and fort independence, TMS guidelines state microgrid generators must be portable, readily reconfigurable, and capable of “operating in islanded conditions” with load requirements. Additionally, microgrid generators must adhere to strict safety, protection, and cybersecurity protocols to ensure reliable and secure power generation.    

Adapting existing infrastructure to accommodate microgrid technology has presented a key challenge to energy independence on certain bases. However, experienced Microgrid providers can develop custom systems that best meet each base's unique needs.  

Top ways to ensure minimal disruption to operations during microgrid installations 

1. Assessment of Current Infrastructure
Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of existing systems helps identify areas for targeted improvement. Tactical microgrids should seamlessly integrate with existing power devices and evolving technologies. 

2. Modular Design 
Implementing modular microgrid components enables phased upgrades, allowing gradual integration while maintaining current functionality. 

For the Army bases that have already installed Microgrids, Energy Savings Performance Contracts (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Service Contracts (UESCs) are making Microgrids a more viable investment long term.  

Combining renewable energy sources like solar with more carbon-friendly fuels such as HVO or natural gas, or even with traditional petroleum fuels, ensures reliable power generation tailored to the site's requirements and minimizes operational disruptions. 

Renewable Energy Integration in Tactical Microgrids 

The TMS emphasizes interoperability, requiring generators to integrate seamlessly with other power devices, including renewable energy sources and energy storage systems. Incorporating renewable energy is a core aspect of tactical microgrid design, contributing to energy independence and sustainability. Advanced energy storage systems and hybrid power solutions provide reliable energy for critical infrastructure operations, safeguarding against external grid failures. 

The Hybrid Microgrid  

Hybrid microgrids may combine multiple energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, diesel or natural gas generators, and energy storage systems, to create a resilient and efficient power supply. These systems can operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid, providing flexibility and reliability. 

Hybrid microgrids offer significant benefits for military bases by enhancing energy security and operational readiness. They ensure a continuous power supply during grid outages, reduce reliance on fuel supply chains, and integrate renewable energy sources, which lowers operational costs and environmental impact. Additionally, hybrid microgrids can be tailored to meet specific mission requirements, allowing military bases to optimize energy use and improve resilience against disruptions.  

Benefits of HVO in Tactical Microgrids 

Hydrotreated vegetable oil, a.k.a. HVO, is an alternative to traditional diesel fuel. Derived from plant and animal oils, HVO is fully compatible with traditional diesel fuel, meaning no machinery needs to be retrofitted and HVO can be safely mixed with existing diesel stores. However, HVO does not introduce new carbon emissions making it a more sustainable option to meet carbon neutral goals.  

Why utilize HVO in your microgrid?  

• • Compatibility: HVO can be used in existing diesel engines and fuel systems without modifications, making it a practical and immediate solution for military operations. 

• • Energy Density: Comparable to fossil fuels, HVO provides a reliable, high-energy backup source for tactical operations. 

• • Operational Resilience: HVO ensures consistent power availability in hybrid systems, stabilizing energy supply during fluctuations in renewable energy production. 

• • Sustainability: HVO significantly reduces life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants compared to traditional diesel, supporting Military goals towards Carbon Neutrality.  

The Role of the Tactical Microgrid Standard and Installation Partners 

The TMS provides a foundation for tactical microgrid design but requires customization to meet the unique needs of each base. While it does not dictate specific electrical performance requirements for each military location, the standard ensures interoperability and facilitates the integration of renewable and hybrid energy sources. 

Experienced Microgrid Vendors 

PowerSecure, with decades of experience in microgrid development, offers tailored solutions that ensure energy resilience and efficiency for military base installations. 

Real-World Success Stories 

• • West Fort Cavazos Microgrid: Enhanced energy resilience and reduced costs for one of the Army's largest bases. 

• • Army Energy Resilience Project: Demonstrated compliance with stringent military standards while meeting operational goals. 

Tactical microgrids are a game-changer for the U.S. Military, providing energy resilience, sustainability, and adaptability in the face of modern challenges.  

For military stakeholders looking to implement advanced microgrid solutions, PowerSecure offers the expertise and technology to deliver superior performance and reliability. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your tactical energy goals.