Renewable Energy - Projects

The following are self-generating renewable energy projects implemented and operating on Army installations:

• Fort Stewart, GA generates high-pressure steam using wood chips at the central energy plant.
• Fort Knox, KY converted barracks to geothermal.
• Fort Huachuca, AZ has photovoltaic, solar, and wind generation.
• Rock Island Arsenal, IL generates electricity from its hydroelectric plant.
• Red River Army Depot, TX consumes renewable energy through burning wood scrap.

Green Power Procurement

Army policy is to purchase Green Power—electricity generated from renewable energy sources when it is available. The Army continues to emphasize the use of passive solar designs, such as building orientation and window placement and sizing, in a variety of building types and new facility construction. The Army anticipates more growth in the implementation of renewable energy and active solar technologies due to the recently implemented Sustainable Design and Development guidance .

Redstone Arsenal purchases steam from the City of Huntsville that is produced from municipal solid waste. Fort Carson is purchasing electrical power generated from renewable sources from Colorado Springs Utility. The Army is making a special effort to purchase renewable energy generated from solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass.

These purchases assist the Army in achieving the goals of EPAct 05 which mandates that of the total amount of electric energy the federal government consumes during any fiscal year, not less than 3 percent in fiscal years 2007 through 2009, not less than 5 percent in fiscal years 2010 through 2012, and not less than 7.5 percent in fiscal year 2013 and each year thereafter, be renewable energy.