Ongoing energy conservation efforts at Holloman AFB, N.M., are expected to save the installation more than $1 million annually. The base’s daily energy consumption currently costs $18,000, which means nearly $6.6 million annually. So those projected savings would run about 15 percent of current energy outlays. The energy projects include upgrading the lighting in hangars and high-bay facilities, converting office lighting to more efficient fixtures, installing occupancy sensors for lighting, and installing meters on all buildings more than 35,000 square feet in size. Beyond that, Holloman officials are planning more energy-efficiency moves, including conversions to renewable energy. For example, they are studying the potential installation of a large 20 megawatt solar-energy farm as well as a solar photovoltaic parking cover for one base parking area. (Includes Holloman report by Gary Krivokapich) (For more on Holloman energy, see Green Machine from the Daily Report archives.)
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.