The Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) released a supplemental solicitation on March 13, 2025 seeking proposals for the demonstration and deployment of innovative technologies that enhance energy security and strengthen mission resilience across DoD installations. The specific topics are:

• Thermal Energy Network Feasibility Studies
• Design Approaches for Thermal Energy Networks
• Zero Trust for Power and Energy Control Systems

Thermal Energy Network Feasibility Studies: ESTCP is seeking feasibility studies for the implementation of thermal energy networks (TENs) on military installations. While centralized energy systems can be vulnerable to large-scale failures, TENs are made up of distributed water-source heat pumps that provide heating and cooling services to multiple buildings. By shifting heating and cooling loads away from the electrical grid, TENs can reduce the risk of blackouts, reduce operating costs, and improve overall grid resilience. Successful project outcomes will provide a realistic pathway for improving installation energy resilience and facilitate strategic partnering to implement and scale solutions faster.

Design Approaches for Thermal Energy Networks: ESTCP is also seeking designs of TENs that will provide a template for time-phased construction of a full-scale system. The design approach should consider the full-scale (approx. 15+ buildings) system architecture and major components while developing preliminary engineering designs for a fully functional small-scale (approx. 2-5 buildings) system. Based on the outcome of the designs, DoD may fund the construction of the small-scale systems as a follow-on demonstration projects.

Zero Trust for Power and Energy Control Systems: ESTCP aims to demonstrate technologies and implement strategies to improve the cybersecurity of operational technology systems on military installations through the deployment of Zero Trust solutions. These technologies are expected to improve the cyber resilience of military installation control systems and reduce the risk of system disruptions from unintended access within the system. This effort will show how the application of Zero Trust activities demonstrably reduces the risk of a cyberattack that could disrupt or degrade Facility Related Control Systems and microgrid assets.

ESTCP prioritizes cost-effective, scalable, and cyber-secure solutions that reduce operational costs while ensuring the reliability of energy and water systems critical to national defense. Projects conduct formal demonstrations at DoD facilities and sites in operational settings to document and validate improved performance and cost savings. For more information about this funding opportunity, visit the solicitation page here.

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