THE STORY

Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) supports a mix of military commands responsible for logistics, sustainment, and manufacturing for the U.S Army. It includes historic industrial buildings, a central steam plant, and more than 40 tenant organizations that depend on reliable, cost-effective energy to support mission-critical operations.

THE GOAL

As infrastructure aged and energy demands increased, RIA needed a clear, data-driven evaluation of advanced distributed generation options. The goal was to determine whether a fuel cell could provide reliable on-site power while integrating with existing electrical and steam systems, reducing reliance on coal-fired generation, and delivering measurable financial and environmental benefits.

THE SOLUTION AND RESULTS

Franklin Energy conducted a comprehensive, multi-phase fuel cell feasibility study that evaluated multiple siting options, assessed grid interconnection strategies, and identified opportunities to recover and reuse waste heat through combined heat and power applications.

Through detailed technical and economic modeling, Franklin Energy identified a 1-MW molten carbonate fuel cell located near the central steam plant allowed the fuel cell to support the broader installation, while recovered thermal energy could supplement the central heating system and displace coal consumption. Using stochastic energy forecasting and site-specific modeling, the analysis projected approximately $82,000 in net annual savings and more than 4,000 tons of annual carbon dioxide reductions.

By translating complex engineering analysis into clear, actionable insights, Franklin Energy helped RIA evaluate how advanced distributed generation could strengthen long-term resilience, control costs, and support sustainability goals—without disrupting critical operations.