The Future of Renewable Energy at Camp Pendleton

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – On days with favorable weather conditions the solar panels aboard Camp Pendleton can currently generate renewable energy at a level of 50 percent of the average consumption on the base.

Marine Corps Installations-West is partnering with California Energy Commission and independent energy providers to install large energy storage units on the installations aboard MCI-W. With the support of the CEC and energy providers, MCI-W will install its first generation storage units by 2022 with Camp Pendleton at the top of the list in California’s initiative to support renewable energy standards on military bases.

“Based on our decades of experiences in solar technology, we can leverage our experiences to not only purchase additional solar technology, but upgrade the old solar panel system as well,” said Song.

Camp Pendleton has some real estate zoned-out for future development for energy initiatives on base. The real estate for the potential owners could generate up to 15 megawatts of renewable energy for both the publics and the bases use instead of leaving these lots vacant for decades.

“These solar panels are in good use for energy security and saves a great deal of money when energy costs are rising constantly, which otherwise could be used for the Marine’s training,” said Song. “It is always important for our community to conserve energy as much as possible.”

Camp Pendleton’s renewable energy capabilities can help support local firefighters, police and emergency responders by powering their equipment, which helps protecting the public and the Nation during a crisis & grid outages.

Editor's note: The original story can be viewed on the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton website.