Navy Finalist in Two Categories for Platts Global Energy Awards

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of the Navy (DoN) is a finalist in two energy categories for the 2009 Platts Global Energy Awards, an annual competition recognizing top achievers in the energy industry.

With more than 200 award nominations this year, representing more than 30 countries, DoN has been named a finalist in the "Engineering News Record's (ENR) Energy Construction Project of the Year" and the "Green Energy Initiative of the Year" categories.

"It's an honor for the Department of the Navy Shore Energy Program to be recognized for its energy achievements alongside such world-class industry leaders," said William Tayler, director, Energy Development, Naval Facilities Engineering Command. -The Engineering News Record's (ENR) Energy Construction Project of the year nomination is the result of Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka Japan's (CFAY) recently implemented cogeneration power facility.

The largest overseas U.S. naval installation in the world, CFAY's previous steam plant consumed more than 8 million gallons of liquid fuel each year and provided inadequate output for its demand. The new plant incorporates three gas turbine generators, three reciprocating engine generators, major upgrades to the steam generation and distribution systems, and a new gas line to the base. The facility is designed to deliver reliable energy for the Navy's utility demands and meet all capacity needs.

The Navy is also a finalist in the category Green Energy Initiative of the Year for its work in developing alternative forms of energy such as wind energy generation, solar photovoltaic energy generation, solar thermal energy systems, geothermal energy generation and ground source heat pumps.

The Navy's Energy and Water Management Program assists in reaching federally mandated goals for the reduction of energy consumption, such as reducing fossil fuel use in new construction 100 percent by 2030, increasing sustainable practices in existing facilities 15 percent by 2015, and generating renewable energy equal to 25 percent of electrical energy consumed by 2025. The Navy and Marine Corps have set specific goals to meet these mandates, such as reducing energy consumption 13.6 million fewer gallons of gasoline each year, installing 10 megawatts of renewable electricity annually, and awarding $250 million per year in energy and water efficiency projects.

The Navy's push to provide renewable power includes several benefits such as avoiding millions of dollars in utility and operating costs, increasing efficiency and mission readiness and lessening dependence on foreign oil, increasing national security, and driving a more stable U.S. economy.

An international panel of judges, including top corporate executives, leading academics and senior analysts evaluated each entry within its category, and its context within the energy industry. The 2009 Platts Awards winners are scheduled to be recognized in New York City, Dec. 3.

For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navfachq/.

Story Number: NNS091013-14 - Release Date: 10/13/2009 4:26:00 PM

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