The Army continues to expand its commitment to renewable fuels as a way to enhance energy security.
The Army established the Energy Initiatives Office (EIO) Task Force this week as the newest part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment. Secretary of the Army, John M. McHugh said the EIO will aim to manage the development of renewable energy projects and help improve issues of energy security.
For more on the interaction of the US military with renewable sources of energy, see: Safe And Secure, and for the growing political consensus on the role of renewable energy and energy efficiency in national security, read about the new bilateral Defense Energy Security Caucus.
Investment of up to $7.1 billion in renewable energy over the next 10 years in renewable power sources is expected to generate 2.1 million MW hours of power per year, the Department of Defense said. The EIO Task Force will work towards the implementation of new renewable energy projects and is seeking private industry developers for financial and strategic resources to help accomplish the goal.
“The Energy Initiatives Office Task Force will help the Army build resilience through renewable energy while streamlining our business practices so developers can invest in and build an economically viable, large-scale renewable energy infrastructure,” said McHugh. “To meet a goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025, the Army must use every opportunity to be energy efficient and draw power from alternative and/or renewable energy sources.”
“Addressing our energy security needs is operationally necessary, fiscally prudent and vital to mission accomplishment,” McHugh added.
