Energy conservation

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Michael Johnson
  • Civil Engineer Squadron, commander
Fact #1: The Federal Government consumes 1 percent of all energy consumed annually in America.

Fact #2: The Department of Defense consumes 80 percent of the Federal Government's energy.

Fact #3: The Department of the Air Force consumes 48 percent of the DoD's energy.

Fact #4: The United States Air Force plays an enormous role in America's annual energy consumption.

In March 2013, the USAF adopted an updated version of the U.S. Air Force Energy Strategic Plan. This plan is based on four independent Energy Priorities: 1) Improve resiliency, 2) Reduce demand, 3) Assure supply and 4) Foster an energy-awareness culture.

While USAF installations have for many years sought to reduce energy demand through energy conservation projects and recently begun to explore the other two energy priorities, improve resiliency and assure supply. You will also soon see this trend change not only in the AF, but also right here at Holloman.

The "improve resiliency" goal was added to the AF energy pillars this year and represents a fundamental shift in energy priorities. The adoption of infrastructure redundancy and alternative sourcing as an energy priority will provide mission-enabling back-up power.

For example, mission critical facilities will now be authorized redundant power feeds, where they were previously not allowed and installations will be allowed to tie alternative sources such as solar, wind, etc. as back-up power sources.

Similarly, Renewable Energy production will soon begin to gain ground in future development. Unlike improve resiliency, which is new, assure supply has long been a focus of the USAF energy program. To assure the energy supply for the future, a large emphasis on RE has begun.
 
In 2014, the AF expects to fund 12 major RE projects, and, locally, we expect to break ground on a 3.1 MW Photo-Voltaic Solar Panel array and pursue Energy Savings Performance contracts, partnering with our civilian counterparts to increase the base's renewable energy supply.

Though the projects will likely be transparent to most of the installation, you can be rest assured that Holloman is doing its part to cement energy independence in the U.S. Air Force's future.