In order to achieve the Department of Defence's initiative to generate 25 percent of all energy demanded on its bases from renewable energy sources by 2025, the US Army has announced that it will invest $7 billion in new renewable energy projects.
The Army won't actually fund the projects, but rather will sign contracts to buy the electricity produced by any solar, wind, geothermal, or biomass installations for up to 30 years. The renewable energy companies must finance, install and operate the installations. So rather than paying utility companies for the electricity, they will pay renewable energy companies such as SolarCity or Sungevity.
"It is the intent of the government only to purchase the energy that is produced and not to acquire any generation assets. The contractor shall develop, finance, design, build, operate, own and maintain the energy plant."
Bids to construct renewable energy plants in military bases and facilities across the country have been accepted since Tuesday.
Projects of less than 4 megawatts will be granted to small businesses only. Between 4 and 12 megawatts will be open to anyone, although small businesses will still be given preference. Projects with a capacity of more than 12 megawatts will be unrestricted.
By. Joao Peixe of Oilprice.com
Joao is a writer for Oilprice.com More