Navy Installation Energy Manager (IEM) Education & Training

In partnership with Commander Naval Installations Command the development of a comprehensive Navy Installation Energy Manager (IEM) Education and Training program is envisioned at Naval Postgraduate School, addressing critical gaps in energy infrastructure management for defense installations. The program responds to urgent challenges including aging energy infrastructure, escalating demands, and macro-grid vulnerabilities that threaten mission readiness.  The initiative proposes introducing a Distributed Electric Utility (DEU) approach through Integrated Community Energy Systems (ICES) for Naval communities, featuring microgrids interconnected via DC links to address limitations of the current centralized utility business model. This approach aligns with the Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) warfighting concept and supports the Chief of Naval Operations’ vision focused on the Foundry, Fleet, and Fight priorities. The envisioned educational framework includes a short course, tabletop exercises, and a comprehensive Graduate Certificate Program and leverages a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with Pareto Energy LTD. Key benefits include enhanced resilience, reduced energy costs through third-party financed projects, knowledge transfer of innovative technologies, workforce development, and mission assurance through reliable power delivery.