of-defense-takes-forceful-lead-as-early-adopters-of-solar-energy
U.S. Department of Defense Takes Forceful Lead as Early Adopters of Solar
Energy
By Michael Gorton, CEO, Principal Solar and Rebecca Halstead, Brigadier
General (US Army, retired), Advisor to Principal Solar
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has a tradition of accelerating
technological advancements, serving as early adopters and impacting the
broader commercial market in such areas as aviation, computing and GPS. For
the past several years, the DoD has been playing this same role in the
renewable energy space.
A new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts shows that DoD clean energy
investments increased 300 percent between 2006 and 2009, from $400 million
to $1.2 billion. Projections for 2030 are set to eclipse $10 billion
annually, with an overall target of obtaining 25 percent of DoD energy from
renewable sources by 2025. For the solar energy world, the DoD's energy
conservation investment program adds significant credibility to the
conversation.
Driven by climate change and the need for energy security, the DoD's plans
are designed to strategically maximize military preparedness and
effectiveness during military, disaster relief and humanitarian engagements.
As the plans unfold, DoD will serve as a huge laboratory for innovation,
laying the groundwork for widespread adoption of new ideas for optimizing
efficiency and creating zero energy environments. Efficiencies gained from
a greater reliance on solar energy technologies will create energy
independence and bring potentially enormous environmental benefits. Both
issues have a direct influence on national security and the health of the
U.S. economy.
Add to the equation the DoD as a massive energy spender. Right now, it has
300,000 buildings on its 500 plus installations, with 2.2 billion square
feet of space, and spends nearly $4 billion a year on the energy needed to
power them. These fixed installations are ideal test beds for
next-generation energy technologies. Federal government energy goals have
mandated energy reduction of 30 percent by 2015 and electric energy
consumption from renewable energy increased to no less than 7.5 percent
beginning FY 2013. These are ambitious numbers, but an analysis developed by
the DoD's Office of Installations and Environment demonstrates these goals
are well within reach after determining that over 7,000 megawatts (MWAC) of
solar energy development is technically feasible and financially viable at
several DoD installations in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts of California.
The Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Installations and
Environment) has two key programs--the Strategic Environmental Research and
Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology
Certification Program (ESTCP). Last year, 575 proposals were selected for
field tests in 2012. These proposals were submitted by private firms,
universities and federal organizations and covered five areas: smart
microgrids and energy storage to increase the energy security of DoD's
installations; advanced component technologies to improve building energy
efficiency; advanced building energy management and control technologies;
tools and processes for design, assessment, and decision-making associated
with energy use and management; and technologies for renewable energy
generation on installations.
New construction projects, such as military family housing, require the use
of energy efficiency products that are cost-effective. A number of military
installations and bases are moving forward with plans to be "net zero,"
consuming only as much energy as they generate, including Fort Bliss, a U.S.
Army post with an area of about 1,700 square miles. The Enhanced Use Lease
(EUL) program enables commercial companies to fund, build and operate
projects in exchange for long-term leases of Army land. This program's first
renewable energy project is the Fort Irwin Solar (EUL) partnership with
Clark Energy Group and Acciona Solar Power to build a solar electric power
plant with a potential for 1,000+ MW of solar power production — the largest
renewable energy project in the DoD's history.
Conclusion
As the single largest consumer of energy in the United States, the DoD is in
a unique position to introduce innovative, clean energy solutions on an
enormous scale. By leading the way, they create the very real potential for
curbing staggering energy costs and optimizing the nation's overall defense
strategy. These new policies will help to eliminate hesitation in the
mainstream marketplace, leading to accelerated innovation and the creation
of new and profitable markets. By maintaining its current trajectory, the
DoD will continue to increase demand for partnerships, private sector
financing and a considerable influx of investment dollars into leading-edge
research, technology and business practices.
Michael Gorton, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Principal Solar, is
an entrepreneur, mentor and company builder, applying proven strategies in
the fields of renewable energy, telecommunications, music and healthcare.
Drawing on his extensive business expertise, scientific education and
training, Michael serves as a strong voice and proponent of solar power.
Brigadier General (Ret) Becky Halstead is currently CEO/Founder of STEADFAST
Leadership, a leader consultancy company. Becky is an inspirational
speaker, consultant and advisor. She served in the U.S. Army for 27 years,
leading over 20,000 soldiers and 5,000 civilians in Iraq, and commanding
eight out of her last 11 years in the Army. She provides logistics and
leadership expertise to the Principal Solar team.
Solar Energy
The information and views expressed in this article are those of the author
and not necessarily those of RenewableEnergyWorld.com or the companies that
advertise on its Web site and other publications.
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