Alabama Power is partnering with Energy Systems Group (ESG) to provide energy efficiency improvements at Maxwell Air Force Base.

“Maxwell Air Force Base is vitally important to the state and to our nation’s defense,” said Tony Smoke, Alabama Power’s vice president of marketing. “We are excited to partner with ESG to support the base and its efforts to become more energy efficient.”

Consisting of five energy conservation measures, the project will save over $572,000 annually over a 10-year performance period.

“ESG is proud to partner with Alabama Power to implement this Utility Energy Services Contract project which will help modernize Maxwell Air Force Base while increasing its energy efficiency and resiliency,” said Greg Collins, ESG President. “As the key training center for future Air Force leaders, Maxwell AFB will experience an enhanced, energy-efficient learning environment as a direct result of this project.”

Energy conservation measures being implemented include lighting controls and/or retrofits in 18 buildings, heat recovery chillers in 20 buildings, mechanical retrofits, controls upgrades in 22 buildings and demand ventilation and retro-commissioning in six buildings.

“Extensive use of innovative heat recovery chiller technology demonstrates that Maxwell Air Force Base is committed to being on the front lines of energy efficiency while maximizing every energy dollar spent,” Collins said.

The project is expected to reduce Maxwell’s energy use by over 41,000 MMBtu (one million British Thermal Units) or 12 GWh (gigawatt hours) per year, and will help the base better meet its energy intensity reduction goals.

ESG will provide performance verification services in order to validate the savings after project completion. The project is expected to be completed within 13 months.

The energy efficiency upgrades will reduce greenhouse gases by over 8,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, which is equivalent to planting about 8,000 acres of new forest.