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Energy and Water Efficiency

Greenhouse Gas Reduction

The NASA Energy and Water Management Program’s vision is a NASA that successfully accomplishes its mission using the minimum amount of energy and water required.

The NASA Energy and Water Performance Plan (EWPP) outlines the agency’s strategy and management approach to realize this vision as well as meet Federal energy and water goals.

This strategic approach improves the sustainability and resilience of NASA’s operations by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, extending equipment life, improving the operating condition of facilities, and installing clean energy generation to the maximum extent practicable.

Seen here, with the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building in the background, is an up-close view of solar panels that are part of Florida Power and Light’s (FPL) new Discovery Solar Energy Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 74.5-megawatt solar site spans 491 acres at Kennedy and contains about 250,000 solar panels. Harnessing energy from the Sun, the panels produce enough energy to power approximately 15,000 homes. The panels do not directly power anything at Kennedy, and instead, send energy directly to FPL’s electricity grid for distribution to existing customers. Construction began in spring 2020, and the energy center became fully operational on May 30, 2021.
Seen here, with the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building in the background, is an up-close view of solar panels that are part of Florida Power and Light’s (FPL) new Discovery Solar Energy Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 74.5-megawatt solar site spans 491 acres at Kennedy and contains about 250,000 solar panels. Harnessing energy from the Sun, the panels produce enough energy to power approximately 15,000 homes. The panels do not directly power anything at Kennedy, and instead, send energy directly to FPL’s electricity grid for distribution to existing customers. Construction began in spring 2020, and the energy center became fully operational on May 30, 2021.
NASA/Frank Michaux

What’s Up?

To realize our vision, NASA’s energy and water management team is working to complete 26 initiatives in three different goal areas: strategic program management, affordability, and sustainability. We’re focusing on significant energy uses across the agency, focusing on infrastructure and equipment improvements like large motor drive replacements, as well as process improvements to operate more efficiently.

Did you Know?

Our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions inventory includes almost all emission sources you can think of, including unique sources like refrigerants used in wind tunnel testing. NASA does not report GHG emissions for rocket launches and some research-related activity – these are specifically excluded from reporting requirements.

NASA is contributing to a greener utility grid through solar photovoltaic installations across the agency. NASA has recently partnered with local electric utilities through enhanced use leases at Kennedy Space Center and Michoud Assembly Facility to install over 100-megawatts of solar energy that feeds into the local electricity grid. These agreements allow NASA to lease underutilized land to the utility company in exchange for cash payment that are used for NASA maintenance, capital revitalization, and other property improvements.

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