In December 2024, the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) has unveiled a cutting-edge hydrogen-powered small microgrid (nanogrid) at the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico. This innovative demonstration represents a team effort led by ERDC, partnering with the Directorate of Public Works (DPW) Environmental Division at WSMR and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Atmospheric Intelligence for Hybrid Power Advancements (AIHPA). Notably, this will be the first operational nanogrid of its kind in the Army.

A nanogrid is a small self-contained electric power system that can operate independently from the electric power grid, and it can supply power to improve resilience to potential power outages or to areas where there is no grid power. The nanogrid at WSMR uses renewable hydrogen fuel to replace traditional bulky, noisy diesel generators. It provides power to a surveillance camera system and meteorological weather equipment, supporting continuous, unattended operation in a remote off-grid location. The nanogrid enables this equipment to operate in the particular location where “silent watch” capabilities of hydrogen-powered generation are needed in a pristine environment.

“I am thrilled to demonstrate the Army’s first renewable energy nanogrid,” said Carol J. Bailey, project manager from ERDC's Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL). "The hydrogen-powered nanogrid offers a carbon-free alternative that is both sustainable and effective for applications in extreme weather environments and sensitive cultural areas such as WSMR.”

WSMR serves as a test site for a wide range of military and civilian technologies, including missile testing, space launch operations, and scientific research. It is also home to various historical and environmental sites, making it a unique and significant location for military and research activities.

The nanogrid at WSMR, provided by Sesame Solar of Jackson, Michigan, integrates several advanced energy technologies into a compact, mobile system housed in a Conex box. The system combines a fuel cell, electrolyzer, hydrogen storage, battery energy storage, solar panels, and an atmospheric water generator to create a fully self-sufficient power source.

"Demonstrating the capabilities of a hydrogen-fueled nanogrid in real-time operational environment shows the art of the possible with renewable energy. The rugged design and renewable energy sources provides a prototype smart energy system that can be deployed in a variety of environments,” Bailey added.

The Conservation Branch of the Environmental Division at WSMR is responsible for conserving, protecting, and managing the local wildlife. This nanogrid partnership provides an opportunity to learn more about wildlife use in this public part of the missile range. Particularly, the branch is interested in what they can learn about large mammals using the area.

The surveillance system, developed by Picogrid, plays a crucial role in monitoring wildlife activity at the site. The system includes a command-and-control enclosure, camera, battery, and Starlink connection. This information will be used to identify wildlife species using the area and potentially reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how the Picogrid Helios system performs to detect wildlife in the area,” said Trish Cutler, Wildlife Biologist for the DPW Environmental Division at WSMR. “It is designed to detect and alert birds and mammals that I can then view and identify from my office computer. The data provides an opportunity to help deconflict human interactions with African oryx, javelina, and carnivores such as coyotes, mountain lions, and bobcats.”

The ARL AIHPA team conducts atmospheric and energy research at WSMR and is expanding its future vision of optimally integrated, multi-powered resources to support both tactical and disaster relief applications. 

“This joint work provides DEVCOM ARL a unique opportunity to explore atmospheric effects and power production processes associated with hydrogen fuel cells, resulting in the rare ability to directly operationalize scientific findings,” said Gail Vaucher, AIHPA leader.

The nanogrid is being installed within the WSMR cantonment area, an area known for its variety of wildlife, where it will operate for a year and provide valuable data and insights into the performance of this innovative energy solution.

"This demonstration is significant because traditional diesel-powered generators, commonly used for off-grid power in remote locations, are not always suitable for environmentally sensitive areas," Bailey said. "Technology demonstrations such as this nanogrid push the message forward for on-site energy generation, providing resilience for energy supply and logistics. Having a diversity in energy supply allows the military to operate in a contested environment.”

“We are planning to install a second hydrogen-fueled nanogrid to demonstrate the mobility and additional capabilities, including an electric vehicle charging port, at Ft. Leonard Wood in early 2025. Innovative approaches to reduce energy demand drive change in the way we think about energy,” Bailey added.