The Savannah River Site (SRS) has recently been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for tremendous contributions to the Biden administration goal of achieving a 100% zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) fleet by 2035. They are one of four environmental management (EM) sites to receive this recognition.
Because of this recognition towards these efforts, SRS has received the DOE’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Green Fleet Award. They have also received $250,000 in grants for more ZEV’s and charging infrastructure.
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“Since 2021, SRS has made great strides in exchanging eligible leases with an electric vehicle equivalent,” said Joe Solesby, SRNS site infrastructure logistics manager. “DOE funding further supports the installation of electric vehicles and charging stations across the Site.”
The SRS fleet was evaluated for efficiency, which led to the implementation of a five-phase plan to meet sustainable goals. This plan will lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel use, leading to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
The first phase of this plan was completed in Sept. 2023, which put SRS ahead of schedule for 100% ZEV light-duty vehicle acquisitions by 2027. SRS currently has 16 charging stations and 118 ZEVS, and an additional 46 ZEVs and 20 charging stations have been ordered for FY24.
“The project team is working hard to build out the charging infrastructure needed to support the pace at which the fleet is being converted to electric,” said Tom Kennaday, SRNS EV Charging Station Installation Project Manager. “This assures sufficient charging capacity is available when each new ZEV arrives at the Site.”
SRS plans to meet the Biden’s administration goal of 100% zero-emission vehicles by 2035 with the acquisition of 100% light-duty vehicles by 2027.
“SRS’s receipt of the Green Fleet Award is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of our entire EV Fleet Management team,” said Solesby. “We remain committed to sustainability and lead in the complex-wide transition to zero-emission.”
SRS will begin phase three of the plan towards the end of FY24 through the continuation of expansion efforts and the conversion of additional segments of the light-duty vehicle fleet.
“Preserving, protecting, and improving the environment remains our top priority,” said Donny Barfield, SRNS director of Site services. “We are proud to be at the forefront of clean energy, setting a standard for environmental stewardship, and eager to take our approach to the next phase and secure a 100% zero-emission fleet.”
