Army awards final technology for renewable and alternative energy MATOC

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Sept. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sept. 23, a group of qualified biomass technology contractors was identified and awarded 13 Multiple Award Task Order Contracts (MATOC) by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, working with the Army Energy Initiatives Task Force (EITF).

The companies receiving biomass contracts are:

• Acciona Energy North America Corporation, Chicago, Ill.
• ECC Renewables, LLC, Burlingame, Calif.
• EDF Renewable Energy, San Diego, Calif.
• Emerald Infrastructure, San Antonio, Texas
• Energy Answers International, Inc., Albany, N.Y.
• EIF United States Power Fund IV, L.P., Needham, Mass.
• Energy Management, Inc., Boston, Mass.
• Energy Systems Group, LLC, Newburgh, Ind.
• Honeywell International, Inc., Golden Valley, Minn.
• MidAmerican/Clark JV, Bethesda, Md.
• Pacolet Milliken Enterprises, Inc., Spartanburg, S.C.
• Siemens Government Technologies, Inc., Arlington, Va.
• Stronghold Engineering, Inc., Riverside, Calif.

The biomass awards complete the first round for each of the four technologies under the $7 billion MATOC for renewable and alternative energy power production for Department of Defense installations that also includes geothermal, solar and wind companies.

"We look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with industry and our defense communities, which will help us remain a strong Army," said Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment. "We are making this announcement just as we are about to kick off October Energy Awareness = Action Month. During the month, we will recognize our outstanding partnerships with industry, promote energy leadership, uphold examples of innovation and excellence which enhance our mission capabilities, and advance a secure energy future."

The qualified MATOC companies will be eligible to bid on future biomass renewable energy task orders, which includes municipal solid waste and waste to energy. As renewable energy opportunities at Army installations are assessed and validated, the USACE, Huntsville will issue a competitive task order Request for Proposal to the pre-qualified MATOC companies for the specific technologies.

The MATOC involves third-party financed renewable energy acquisitions and involves no Army or Department of Defense (DOD) capital, or Military Construction appropriation. The Army or DOD only purchases the power from contractors who own, operate or maintain the generating assets. The MATOC's total estimated value of $7 billion refers to the total dollar value of energy available for purchase under all Power Purchase Agreement task orders for their entire term (up to 30 years). 

"With the contracts awarded to biomass technology contractors, we have completed the first round of contract awards in each of the four renewable energy technologies," said Lieutenant General Thomas P. Bostick, USACE commanding general. "We have been working with Army leaders, including Assistant Secretary Hammack, to develop ways to enhance mission effectiveness through the effective and sustainable use of energy. These are top priorities for DOD and Army leadership, and this effort will help to enhance energy security for our installations. Working with private industry on renewable energy projects using third-party financing maximizes return on investment for both the Army and industry."

These contracts will support the Army's achievement of its congressionally mandated energy goal of 25 percent production of energy from renewable sources by 2025, and improving installation energy security and sustainability.

Contact:
Debra Valine
256-895-1691
[email protected]

SOURCE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville