Armed Forces Bases in Arizona

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Energy (DOE) published a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in July 2010 to facilitate cooperation to accelerate the research, development, and deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. The Army is making a special effort to purchase renewable energy generated from solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass. Marine Corps Air Station recognizes the importance of energy conservation as a means of protecting our limited natural resources, and is committed to ensure we meet our established energy goals. In May 2010, the Air Force published its Air Force Energy Plan with the vision: To “make energy a consideration in all we do.” In addition to environmental considerations from energy consideration, these initiatives represent the Armed Forces concern over energy security heading into the future.

United States Marine Corps

Goals

• Produce at least 50 percent of shore‐based energy from alternative sources by 2020; 50 percent of Navy and Marine Corps installations will be net‐zero by 2020.
• By 2020, 50 percent of total energy consumption will come from alternative sources.

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

According to press reports from the Arizona Governor’s office, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma was to place a 33 kW on building 234 as of 2009. This could not be confirmed with personnel at the base.

Department of the Air Force

Goals

• Reduce energy demand by installations, flight operations, and ground operations.
• Increase energy supply by developing and utilizing renewable and alternative energy wherever possible.
• Change the culture to increase energy awareness in day‐to‐day operations.

Barry M. Goldwater Range

No projects at this time.

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base

There are two renewable energy facilities currently producing electricity. These include the Solar Photo Voltaic Project at 14.5 MW capacity and the Soaring Heights Community Photo Voltaic Array with 6 MW capacity, both located within the Soaring Heights Community.

Luke Air Force Base

Luke Air Force Base’s APS solar PV 14 MW farm is permanently on hold as of December, 2013, following the failure of APS and the installation to reach an agreement.

Department of the Army

Goals

• The Army set a specific goal to have five installations meet “net‐zero” energy goals by 2020, and an additional 25 achieve net‐zero energy by 2030. Net‐zero energy means the installation produces as much energy on‐site as it uses.
• Reduce energy consumption.
• Increase energy efficiency across platforms and facilities.
• Increase use of renewable/alternative energy supplies.
• Reduce adverse impacts on the environment.

Camp Navajo

No projects at this time.

Fort Huachuca

Fort Huachuca currently has one facility producing electricity, which is the 1 MW wind turbine. In the next year the Fort plans to construct a 20 MW solar PV array on 70 acres. Construction is scheduled to begin during the spring of 2014 and to be completed in December of 2014. This solar array will be owned and operated by a non-military entity.

Yuma Proving Ground

Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) does not have any specific project information to provide. In close coordination with the Army Energy Initiatives Task Force (EITF), YPG is exploring opportunities for utility-scale renewable energy projects located at YPG. California utilities are the expected off-takers of the majority of the power generated from these projects.

Army National Guard

The National Guard’s renewable energy facilities throughout the state are limited in size and are often not staffed or operational daily year-round. These facilities are Arizona make use of renewable technologies, including solar arrays up to 250 kW, but there are no installations more than 1 MW.