Military embraces green energy

The Department of Defense is the single largest energy consumer in the United States. Last year it bought nearly 4 billion gallons of jet fuel, 220 million gallons of diesel and 73 million gallons of gasoline, said Brian Lally, deputy undersecretary of defense for installations and environment.

Some military initiatives may even generate green energy for civilian use. Before Pittard left Ft. Irwin, he proposed building a 40-megawatt solar project, enough to cover the base's needs. Officials in Washington saw an opportunity to generate income by also spinning off electricity to the grid. The Army has now invited bids from the private sector to lease land at Ft. Irwin to build a 500-megawatt solar project.

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Source: Los Angeles Times

May 4, 2009