First of three 30 MW military solar projects in Georgia, the other two ag Fort Gordon near Augusta and Fort Stewart near Savannah, plus a fourth one at Kings Bay Submarine Base. The U.S. military has long recognized fossil fuels are vulnerable supply chains that risk national security, and U.S. DoD is doing something about it.

Brennan Reh, wrbl.com, 17 April 2105, Ft. Benning solar power project groundbreaking

Fort Benning held a groundbreaking ceremony for the U.S. Army’s renewable energy solar project. Georgia Power is building solar panels that will cover 200 acres on the post.

The solar project on Fort Benning will be the army’s largest power project in Georgia.

The panels will generate 30 megawatts of energy. Georgia Power officials said that serves around 11,000 customers.

People in charge of the project said it will be helpful to have renewable energy as an extra source power especially during natural disasters. They said solar energy will help the army be ready whenever they are needed.

Katherine Hammack, Assistant Secretary of the Army, said solar energy will cut down on the army’s energy costs. She says they could use some of the army’s energy budget for training soldiers.

Congressman Sanford Bishop said cutting energy costs helps taxpayers in the end.

“A more efficient, effective operation is a win-win for everyone. For our community, national security, and for our country,” said Congressman Bishop.

And more construction jobs than either the Sabal Trail or Palmetto pipelines will ever bring to Georgia.

The project is part of a commitment by the U.S. Army to the President to secure one gigawatt of renewable energy and sustainability at U.S. Army installations by 2025.

And the Air Force has a goal of “25% of Air Force facility energy use comes from renewable energy sources by 2025”.

Both goals need to be higher and faster, but they’re both good starts.

-jsq

Short Link: