Sue Ibrahim, Senior Physical Scientist in Yuma Proving Ground’s Technology Transfer Program and an FLC Representative, was recently presented with the prestigious renewable energy award for her innovative work in providing electrical power to a newly constructed remote-test complex in the eastern portion of the proving ground’s Kofa Firing Range.

The award was presented by Department of Energy Secretary Bill Richardson and the Federal Interagency Policy Committee. What garnered Ms. Ibrahim the award was a blend of creative thinking and the willingness to look "outside the box" to design a long-lasting solution to an energy challenge.

A new facility, called the Smart Munitions Test Complex, is being constructed on the Kofa Firing Range to test "smart" munitions now under development, that use acoustic sensors to detect targets. Acoustic interference considerations dictated that the site be located in a remote area. But providing necessary electrical power to the site by traditional means was cost-prohibitive.

"Solar power proved to be an attractive option," said Ms. Ibrahim.

"Installation of such equipment is an expensive proposition, however. I instituted discussions with officials at Arizona Public Service to come up with a plan for sharing development and construction costs, and the result proved beneficial to everyone. It became a classic win-win situation for all involved."

Ms. Ibrahim obtained photovoltiac panels and storage batteries worth $1.6 million from a canceled project in Hawaii. Since no funds were available to install the equipment once it arrived at the proving ground, she negotiated a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Arizona Public Service (APS) to do that. The end result was a complete 105-kilowatt photo-voltiac project that is currently up and running. Annual cost savings to the Proving Ground amount to nearly $50,000.

Ms. Ibrahim says APS has been pleased with the results so far. The solar generating station will provide them, as well as Yuma Proving Ground officials, with valuable data, which will be used to continue improving solar power technology. "I’m proud that I was able to work together with APS on this project," she said. Ms. Ibrahim is a strong believer in the value of developing relationships for sharing technology between Department of Defense installations and outside organizations for economic growth.