U.S. Army to Build Largest Solar Array at Arizona Base
The groundbreaking set for Aril 25 starts the construction of an array that will provide about 25 percent of the annual installation electricity requirement of Fort Huachuca, Ariz.
The U.S. Army is about to construct a solar array at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., that will be the largest at a Department of Defense military installation, according to a DOD news release. The groundbreaking for the project at the base in southeastern Arizona is set for April 25.
"This will be the largest solar array in the department of defense on a military installation," according to Katherine Hammack, assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment.
"Energy is an installation priority," said Maj. Gen. Robert Ashley, Fort Huachuca's commanding general. "The project goes beyond the megawatts produced. It reflects our continued commitment to southern Arizona and energy security. The project will provide reliable access to electricity for daily operations and missions moving forward."
The project is a joint effort of the U.S. Army Energy Initiatives Task Force, Fort Huachuca, the General Services Administration, Tucson Electric Power, and developer E.ON Climate and Renewables. "The project establishes a new path for an innovative partnering opportunity among the U.S. Army, other federal agencies, private industry and the utility provider," said Richard Kidd, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for energy and sustainability. "I applaud the significant efforts and teamwork to bring this project to fruition and set the example for other-large scale renewable energy opportunities."
Tucson Electric Power will fund, own, maintain and operate the project and has contracted with E.ON for the design, engineering, procurement and construction.