The US Air Force plans to spend $2.3 billion over the next six years on energy and water conservation and an expanded use of renewable energy projects.
The capital investment strategy, created earlier this year, is expected to reduce energy intensity at air force facilities by 30% by 2015, according to a release.
Other goals for 2015 include reducing potable water usage by 16%; increasing on-base renewable energy to 3% of all electricity use; and increasing renewable energy to 10.5% of all electricity.
The Air Force said in 2009 it reduced the amount of energy used per square foot (i.e., energy intensity) by 13% from a 2003 baseline.
The Air Force added to its renewable energy portfolio in 2009 by constructing a solar array at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, that produces enough energy to power 30 homes. New solar arrays are also in operation at Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif.; Toledo ANGB, Ohio; Camp Perry ANGB, Ohio; McGuire AFB, N.J.; and Eglin AFB, Fla.
Two Air Force wind turbines were also installed this year: a 2-megawatt (MW) wind turbine at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo.; and a 1.5-MW wind turbine at the Massachusetts Military Reservation. In the coming year, (Air Force Facility Energy Center) AFFEC officials will invest $1 million to assess all Air Force installations in the continental United States to identify and conduct feasibility studies for new renewable energy projects.
"The Air Force continues to stay ahead of energy program goals," said Rick Stacey, director of the AFFEC. "However, we recognize that future energy improvements will be tougher to attain. So beginning in fiscal 2010, the AFFEC staff is centrally managing the Air Force-wide facilities energy program. We will evaluate all viable opportunities and identify the very best measures for implementation."
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