First-ever Nellis AFB Energy Summit a success Published May 1, 2009 By 2nd. Lt. Jennifer Richard Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- More than 100 leaders in the world of renewable energy came together for the first-ever Nellis AFB Energy Summit held April 28 at Las Vegas' Historic Fifth Street School. Nellis hosted the Energy Summit to provide an opportunity for Department of Defense representatives to meet with renewable energy industry leaders, expanding dialogue in an effort to find win-win solutions for renewable energy development. Air Force and DoD officials expressed their commitment to cooperating with developers in wind and solar power in ways that are compatible with the military's missions. "We want to find ways to work together and find areas where we can say 'yes' [to developers]," said Col. Dave Belote, 99th Air Base Wing commander. Representatives from wind and solar industries, many of whom traveled from across the U.S. to attend the summit, learned guidelines for cooperating with DoD agencies on their development projects. "Early engagement is absolutely critical," said Tony Parisi, Sustainability Office head, Naval Air Systems Command Ranges. "It is much easier to influence a project before the developer has invested a lot of time and money into it." Subject matter experts in areas including radar impacts and electromagnetic interference addressed specific concerns on the effect some development may have on military capabilities. Each solar and wind project that potentially impacts the DoD must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure it is compatible with the mission. "Developers want a map [of where they can and can't build], but it is more complex than that," said Bill Van Houten, Office of the Secretary of Defense. "It is not a one-size-fits-all situation." A prime example for compatible renewable energy development is the Nellis Solar Project, the largest solar farm of its kind in North America. The Nellis Solar Project, completed in December 2007, provides more than 25 percent of the base's power and saves Nellis $1 million in energy costs each year. The project was accomplished through the cooperation of the Air Force, Sunpower Corporation, NV Energy and MMA Renewable Ventures. "It was a unique, first-of-its-kind, private-public partnership," said Michelle Price, Nellis AFB energy manager. "Now the Nellis solar farm is a model for other projects." Wind and solar energy leaders left the summit with a greater understanding of the DoD's processes as well as a greater appreciation for the military mission. "This type of summit is a great venue where we [developers and DoD agencies] can make sure we're not bumping into each-other," said Scott Frier, Abengoa Solar chief operating officer. "People need to be well aware of what is going on on the base." Nellis officials hope to hold future energy summits to further expand dialogue on compatible renewable energy projects. For additional information on compatible development, contact the Nellis Public Partnerships Office at 652-7777.
