| April 18, 2024 |
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The Defense Department is embarking on a significant clean energy initiative by installing solar panels on the Pentagon, representing a crucial step in the Biden administration's commitment to fostering sustainable practices and positioning the federal government as a leader in sustainability. This initiative is part of a broader effort, backed by $104 million in Energy Department grants, encompassing 31 government sites. The goal is to not only double the amount of carbon-free electricity at federal facilities but also create 27 megawatts of clean-energy capacity. Importantly, this initiative is expected to leverage over $361 million in private investment.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, along with Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks and Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, announced this ambitious project at the Pentagon. The solar panels at the Pentagon are just one facet of a broader plan that includes additional improvements such as a heat pump system and solar thermal panels. These enhancements are designed to reduce dependence on natural gas and fuel oil combustion systems.
Brendan Owens, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, emphasized that these projects will not only enhance energy resilience and reliability at the Pentagon but also benefit other military sites in the United States and Germany. Recognizing the centrality of energy use in all military operations, Owens highlighted that solar panels would serve as an uninterrupted power source during potential cyberattacks or grid outages. Additionally, these solar panels are expected to alleviate the building's power load, contributing to overall efficiency.
Given the relatively congested airspace around the Pentagon, solar panels emerged as the most suitable option for incorporating clean energy. The building's status as a nationally registered historic landmark adds an extra layer of complexity, requiring collaboration with local officials to ensure that the solar panels meet all regulatory requirements.
This grant program also encompasses energy upgrades at Naval bases in Georgia and Washington state, as well as the Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Tennessee. Beyond the Defense Department, the initiative extends to other federal agencies, including the Interior and Veterans Affairs departments, the General Services Administration, Office of Personnel Management, and Social Security Administration. Notably, the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii is part of the program, with plans to transform it into a net-zero emissions facility through the installation of solar panels and batteries.
This funding announcement, marking the first of three disbursements from the Assisting Federal Facilities with Energy Conservation Technologies (AFFECT) program, aligns with President Biden's executive order to achieve a 65% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from federal operations by 2030. Furthermore, it aims to achieve a net-zero building portfolio by 2045, contributing significantly to the broader federal climate goals. The program supports the Biden administration's commitment to clean energy and sustainability, providing a model for enhancing the energy efficiency of federal facilities.
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