The Army will establish a new task force aimed at developing large-scale Army renewable energy projects, Secretary of the Army John McHugh announced.
The Energy Initiatives Office (EIO) Task Force will help address the Army’s rising energy security challenges, escalating fuel prices and stricter federal mandates, McHugh said. It is expected to be fully operational by September 15 of this year.
“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 percent renewable energy by 2025, the Army must use every opportunity to be energy efficient and draw power from alternative and/or renewable energy sources.”
Army installations currently are pursuing renewable energy infrastructure, but often lack needed expertise. The EIO Task Force will fill this expertise gap and provide resources focused on working with the private sector to execute large-scale renewable energy projects. This is expected to result in increased interest by project developers and improved financial options for the Army, according to the department.
