Customer Profile: The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center, home to the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site (RTS), is located at the U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Central Pacific Ocean. This facility plays a critical role in supporting U.S. Central Command, U.S. Pacific Command, and U.S. Northern Command through 24/7 space operations.
The site is equipped with radar, optical, and telemetry sensors to conduct missile testing, space reconnaissance, surveillance operations, and scientific experiments for the Department of Defense and other government agencies. Strategically positioned, RTS is essential for monitoring foreign missile launches and tracking low-inclination satellite orbits, contributing to the nation’s defense and space situational awareness.
Customer Challenge: The U.S. Army faced a significant logistical and operational challenge at RTS. The site’s reliance on diesel generators meant that 100% of its power was dependent on fuel shipments delivered across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. This dependency posed a substantial risk: any disruption in fuel delivery due to weather, logistical issues, or geopolitical factors could severely impact the site’s operations, compromising mission-critical activities. The Army sought a solution that would enhance energy resilience, reduce dependence on diesel fuel, and ensure continuous operations regardless of external circumstances.
Stark Tech Solution: Stark Tech was tasked with finding a sustainable and resilient energy solution for RTS. After comprehensive site mapping and an in-depth analysis of the island’s energy needs, Stark Tech identified the optimal location for implementing a solar array. Collaborating closely with U.S. Army, the team proposed a microgrid integrated with on-site solar generation as the ideal solution to improve the site’s energy security.
Project Result: The implementation of the microgrid and solar array at RTS was successfully executed through an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficiency in the deployment. The 2.3 MW solar PV system and the 3 MWh energy storage system have significantly decreased the cost of energy at the site. The microgrid not only bolsters the site’s energy resilience but also aligns with the U.S. Army’s broader goals of enhancing operational sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of its facilities.
By leveraging renewable energy and advanced microgrid technology, the customer has transformed the RTS into a self-sufficient and secure installation. This ensures its critical missions can continue uninterrupted, regardless of external factors.
