Corvias’ ongoing project to expand solar power generation at Fort Riley is now in Phase 3, supporting the Army’s readiness and resiliency goals. The advancement of the project was viewed by Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment Rachel Jacobson, who visited the installation in August.
Corvias continues to support Department of Defense energy resiliency goals by targeting 100% onsite carbon pollution-free electricity. In total, the three-phase project will produce over 22,000 MWh, powering 40% of the homes at Fort Riley.
“Investing in ground-mount solar panels offers a range of benefits from creating on-site renewable power, stabilizing electric utility rates, and contributing to energy independence,” said Justin Witty, Corvias’ Director of Energy Development and a former U.S. Army officer.
The project has completed mounting and racking of the panels, with final installation slated to conclude in September. Once the panels are installed, electrical work is set to begin, with final activation targeting the end of the year.
“We already have plans for a fourth phase at Fort Riley as well as solar work at other bases like Fort Johnson and Fort Liberty. This is all part of our larger commitment to provide comprehensive energy solutions to Corvias managed properties and our unwavering support for the Army’s energy goals and objectives,” said Witty.
Through private-sector experience, Corvias leverages partnerships to provide quality, energy-efficient housing to military families. Corvias’ partnership at Fort Riley with Onyx Renewables, a leading national provider of distributed clean energy solutions for commercial and industrial businesses, has already supported one of the largest solar installation projects in Kansas through their joint venture Sunstone Energy Development LLC (Sunstone).
After the first two phases, the project has 12MW of rooftop solar generation, with an additional 4MW+ of ground-mounted solar being added in Phase 3. “The Fort Riley project provides meaningful economic, resilient, and sustainable impact for one of the largest mission-critical energy users in the country: the United States military,” said Kevin Cox, SVP of Origination at Onyx.
The Military Housing Privatization Initiative (MHPI) program allows private housing providers to work with the Armed Services to deliver quality housing and meet Department of Defense energy goals.