The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) are looking for contractors to supply federal facilities in several mid-Atlantic and Midwest states with 100% carbon pollution-free electricity (CFE) by 2030. These clean electricity procurements, set to be awarded later this year, would represent one of the federal government’s largest-ever clean electricity purchases.
The GSA and DoD synopses, published today, outline each agency’s purchasing requirements and highlight their commitment to clean energy as a mission-enabler. These procurements are pivotal in the Biden-Harris Administration’s strategy to secure CFE in retail choice markets, crucial for meeting President Biden’s goal of powering the federal government with 100% CFE by 2030.
“We’re working across government to achieve the Biden-Harris administration’s clean energy goals in a way that delivers good jobs, great value for taxpayers, and strengthens healthy, prosperous communities across the country,” said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan. “As one of the largest energy buyers, GSA is ready to make long-term investments and leverage the government’s buying power to drive demand for clean, carbon pollution-free electricity.”
“The clean energy transition is a national security imperative. DoD, in partnership with all Federal agencies, is committed to accelerating this transition to meet our clean energy goals,” said Brendan Owens, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment. “This procurement will enhance the resilience and reliability of the energy needed for our national security missions in the PJM service territory.”
“President Biden directed the federal government to use its procurement power, as the nation’s largest energy consumer, to support the growth of America’s clean energy industry and jobs,” said Andrew Mayock, Federal Chief Sustainability Officer in the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “Our demand for locally made clean electricity will spur new production, benefiting our climate, economy, and national security.”
These procurements target contractors who can supply CFE to federal civilian and defense agencies within the PJM Interconnection territory. GSA and DoD conducted market research through a joint Request for Information (RFI) and a combined Industry Day, incorporating feedback into their acquisition strategies and solicitations.
PJM coordinates electricity transmission for about 65 million people across Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. GSA and DoD are seeking approximately 1.1 million and 2.4 million megawatt hours (MWh) of CFE annually, respectively, including Energy Attribute Certificates.
With over 300,000 buildings and 600,000 vehicles, the federal government is the nation’s largest energy consumer. The Federal Sustainability Plan aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, energy-efficient buildings, and CFE. Specifically, the government aims to achieve 100% CFE by 2030, with at least half locally supplied to meet 24/7 hourly-matched demand. Agreements signed over the past three years will provide federal facilities in 16 states with 100% CFE by 2030, advancing the U.S. Government’s reliance on clean energy.–News Desk