The Department of the Navy (DON) and Georgia Power Company broke ground on a large-scale solar facility at Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) Kings Bay, Sep. 10.

Approximately 136,000 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels will be installed on 258 acres and generate up to 42 megawatts (MW) of direct current power when fully operational. Georgia Power Company estimates construction completion by the end of 2016.

Notable groundbreaking ceremony presenters and attendees included Dennis V. McGinn, assistant secretary of the Navy for energy, installations and environment, SUBASE Kings Bay Commanding Officer Capt. James Jenks, Georgia Public Service Commissioner Lauren "Bubba" McDonald Jr. and Georgia Power Chairman, President and CEO Paul Bowers.

On December 16, 2014, the Georgia Public Service Commission approved of the project plans. The DON and Georgia Power signed the land lease agreement on July 13, 2015 to enable access and development of the solar facility on SUBASE Kings Bay. With this project, the DON is 42 MW closer to the Secretary of the Navy's goal of bringing one gigawatt of renewable energy into procurement by the end of 2015.

McGinn emphasized the significance of this project for the DON.

"Energy, the economy, the environment and our national security are bound together; you cannot affect one without affecting the others," said McGinn. "If energy supplies to our shore installations are not secure, reliable and resilient, we are vulnerable. The new Georgia Power solar facility at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay ensures the base can always be operational and mission ready."

Jenks reiterated the importance of ensuring mission-critical operations continue for SUBASE Kings Bay and the community.

"SUBASE Kings Bay and the surrounding community are home to Sailors and civilians who work to promote our national security," said Jenks. "Power is an essential component of the security equation. Diversifying power generation enables us to remain operational regardless of grid disturbance and promotes our ability to maintain operational readiness."

Bowers highlighted the importance of this facility and Georgia Power's commitment to its customers.

"We welcome the opportunity to continue to support the Navy in their mission to secure their installations while adding a new source of solar energy that will help us meet the future energy needs of our customers, both reliably and affordably," Bowers said.

Renewable energy generation will improve the DON's energy security, operational capability, strategic flexibility and resource availability. Projects aim to:
* Be cost-effective, mission-compatible and leverage third-party financing,
* Stabilize long-term operational costs,
* Be complemented by smart microgrid technology and utility infrastructure upgrades.