A major energy modernisation scheme involving the use of geothermal has been completed at a US Army base in Louisiana.
Corvias, which partners with the Department of War and higher education institutions on infrastructure and energy resiliency challenges, said in a statement that the project would support the military housing community at Fort Polk, converting 3,600 homes to high-efficiency ground source heat pump (GSHP) technology.
It also continues a trend in the roll-out and adoption of geothermal energy for use in military bases and installations elsewhere in the US.
“Energy modernisation is a key part of our long-term partnership with the US Army and reflects our commitment to listening to residents and delivering tangible improvements that matter in their daily lives,” said Kolby Stobbe, senior vice president, property operations at Corvias.
“At Fort Polk, we’ve delivered a community-wide transformation that increases resident comfort and strengthens long-term housing performance and resilience.”
The project replaces legacy HVAC systems with geothermal heating and cooling for more consistent indoor comfort, quieter operation, and improved efficiency, the statement noted.It also builds on prior energy enhancements at the site, including advanced metering and optimised hot water systems.
The upgrades are expected to reduce annual electricity consumption across Fort Polk’s military family housing community by 30%, generating more than US$2.6mn in annual utility and operational cost savings.
The Corvias statement added that the milestone is part of a US$92mn investment in infrastructure improvements to the Fort Polk military family housing community, which also includes renovation, roof replacement and structural improvement works.
“As one of Corvias’ long-standing public-private housing partnerships with the US Army, the Fort Polk military family housing partnership demonstrates how sustained reinvestment can elevate the resident experience while also driving local economic impact,” the Corvias statement added.
“Together, these improvements transform legacy U.S. Army housing into refreshed, modern neighbourhoods that better reflect the expectations of today’s service members and their families.”