The Oxnard Testbed for Microgrid Energy Systems is a transformative initiative designed to address the growing demand for energy resilience and national security solutions. Strategically located near Naval Base Ventura County on a reclaimed Superfund site, this 11-acre facility will serve as a critical hub for advancing long-duration energy storage technologies, microgrid solutions, and next-generation clean energy innovations.
With a focus on both military and civilian applications, the testbed will develop deployable energy solutions capable of supporting the Department of Defenses DoD 14-day sustainment mandate during outages. It will also prioritize mobile energy technologies for rapid deployment in troop operations, disaster recovery efforts, and remote infrastructure scenarios. By fostering collaboration with key research institutions, industry leaders, and government agencies, the testbed will establish essential standards for microgrid integration, energy storage safety, and cybersecurity resilience.
This initiative emphasizes strategic partnerships, workforce development, and cross-sector collaboration. Partnerships with leading technology providers and federal laboratories will accelerate the commercialization of innovative energy solutions. Educational collaborations with regional community colleges will create a robust talent pipeline, fostering hands-on training and veteran hiring.
Seeking $500 million in funding and strategic investment, the project encompasses key phases, including environmental remediation, facility construction, and operational launch. Beyond advancing technology, the testbed will generate significant economic and environmental benefits, transforming an underutilized industrial site into a national asset.
By integrating innovation, security, and sustainability, the Oxnard Testbed will position the region as a national leader in clean energy advancements. This initiative will not only support military and disaster recovery efforts but also provide scalable energy solutions essential for a resilient and sustainable energy future.
The Oxnard, CA Testbed for Microgrid Energy Systems addresses a critical and rapidly growing market need for energy resilience solutions for both military and civilian applications. This facility will integrate diverse long-duration energy technologies—including lithium, non-lithium, and hydrogen fuel cells—to meet the Department of Defenses DoD 14-day energy sustainment mandate during power outages. Additionally, the project will prioritize the development of mobile energy solutions optimized for DoD troop deployments, disaster recovery scenarios, and remote infrastructure needs, reinforcing national energy security and grid modernization.
To achieve these objectives, we propose developing a dedicated facility on an 11-acre site owned by the proposing party in Oxnard, California. This site, situated less than two miles from Naval Base Ventura County, presents an exceptional opportunity to create a high-impact industrial hub. The land, previously occupied by Halaco Engineering Company, is currently designated as a Superfund site. By repurposing this underutilized area, we aim to drive environmental cleanup and land reclamation while supporting critical missions and fostering regional economic growth. The facilitys proximity to the naval base will allow seamless integration with existing operations and enhance its strategic value.
The proposed facility will be designed to meet the Unified Facilities Criteria UFC requirements for energy storage and field deployment, bridging the gap between prototype development and market readiness. The project will prioritize the development of modular and transportable microgrid solutions housed in rugged, containerized units capable of being airlifted, trucked, or shipped to forward operating bases or disaster relief sites. For example, a hydrogen fuel cell system integrated into a container could provide off-grid power for troop encampments. Field simulations will validate mobility effectiveness and refine deployment protocols based on operational feedback.
The initiative will also generate operational standards and testing protocols to ensure scalable deployment across military and civilian environments. Collaboration with National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL, Sandia National Laboratories, and industry partners will inform recommendations for microgrid interconnectivity, cybersecurity protocols, and energy storage safety. Additionally, the project will contribute data to Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE and SAE International standards development efforts, advancing best practices for field implementation.
Given the critical nature of energy infrastructure for defense applications, the testbed will implement a comprehensive cyber and physical security framework. The project will adhere to NIST SP 80082 guidelines for industrial control systems and the DoDs Risk Management Framework RMF, incorporating secure communication protocols, threat detection systems, and encryption methods. Physical security measures will include secure fencing, tamper-resistant enclosures, and real-time surveillance for key infrastructure components. Hydrogen fuel storage systems, for instance, will be safeguarded with remote monitoring and rapid-response protocols. The testbed will also serve as a platform to test and refine defense mechanisms for combined cyber-physical threats, providing invaluable insights for both the DoD and Department of Energy (DOE).
The vision for the Oxnard Testbed is to foster cross-sector collaboration, enabling advancements in energy storage, grid modernization, sustainable chemicals, and fuels. The project will maximize collaboration between the DoD, DOE, industry partners, universities, laboratories, and other agencies, accelerating innovation and fostering public-private partnerships to provide a multidisciplinary environment for advancing energy technologies from lab to market.
A key component of this initiative is workforce development. The testbed will collaborate with California State University Channel Islands and regional community colleges to establish training programs focused on microgrid operations, energy storage maintenance, and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. Hands-on training will provide students and professionals with practical experience in the design, deployment, and maintenance of advanced energy systems. Internship and apprenticeship programs will prioritize hiring veterans, recognizing their technical skills and mission-critical experience. Partnerships with DOE training initiatives will further help certify workers for careers in clean energy and defense sectors. By creating a robust talent pipeline, the testbed will ensure that innovations can be rapidly deployed and maintained in the field.
The estimated project cost is $500 million. We are seeking funding and strategic partnerships to cover key project phases, including:
Phase 1 Feasibility Study and Environmental Site Cleanup
Address contaminated materials on the site and conduct a comprehensive feasibility assessment. This effort will not only reclaim underutilized land but also demonstrate how industrial cleanup can align with national energy security goals.
Phase 2 Construction and Facility Build-Out
Develop a state-of-the-art testbed facility with advanced energy storage capabilities, including mobile microgrid solutions designed for troop deployment and disaster recovery scenarios.
Phase 3 Operational Launch and Market Commercialization
Initiate testing and commercial operations with a focus on generating early revenue and expanding strategic collaborations. Partnerships with technology providers such as Southern California Edison, KORE Power, Knnktor Energy Solutions, Bloom Energy, Tesla, and Siemens will drive innovation, while collaborations with NREL and Sandia National Laboratories will accelerate validation and commercialization.
Phase 4 Economic Impact Reporting and Scalability
Demonstrate return on investment ROI and regional economic benefits while laying the groundwork for nationwide expansion. The integration of scalable mobile energy systems will further enhance disaster recovery capabilities and energy resilience across the United States.
This initiative addresses vulnerabilities exposed by catastrophic events such as the California Wildfires 2025, the loss of the Moss Landing Power Plant 2025, and hurricanes such as Helene 2024, Maria 2017, and Katrina 2005. By simulating and testing systems that ensure uninterrupted power for critical infrastructure, the Oxnard Testbed will provide valuable insights for safeguarding lives and ensuring disaster recovery resilience.
Through strategic partnerships with cybersecurity experts, equipment vendors, and federal research institutions, the project will drive innovation and enhance resilience. Collaborations with industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin and Schneider Electric will ensure that energy systems are built to meet military-grade standards for operation in harsh environments. The testbed will focus on advancing energy solutions with a Technology Readiness Level TRL of 79, while reserving limited capacity to support emerging innovations at TRL 67. This approach will provide a platform for testing, demonstrating, and refining next-generation energy technologies, accelerating their path to market readiness.
In closing, the Oxnard Testbed for Microgrid Energy Systems integrates national security, sustainability, and economic revitalization, transforming underutilized land into a cornerstone of U.S. clean energy and defense infrastructure. By fostering innovation and resilience, it ensures a stronger, more sustainable future. Through partnerships with industry experts, government agencies, and research institutions, the testbed will position Oxnard as a national leader in advancing energy technologies, driving economic development, and securing critical infrastructure for future generations.