Alternative energy for Navy MS

With a one-of-a-kind renewable energy agreement signed, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus traveled to California Aug. 21 to celebrate the goal of using that solar power pact to provide half the energy to 14 West Coast Navy and Marine bases. The solar agreement is the biggest in a growing portfolio of renewable energy projects the Navy is counting on to reach Mabus’ goal of generating 1 gigawatt of renewable power. That’s enough to fill half its shore facilities’ electricity needs by late 2016 and ahead, by several years, of the Air Force and Army. On Sept. 10, the Navy will break ground on a 42-mega watt (mw) solar farm – set for operation in late 2016 - at the Kings Bay (Ga.) Submarine Base built on 258 acres by Georgia Power – a subsidiary of The Southern Company. The Navy will also be doing renewable energy projects at bases in Pensacola, Fla.; and NAS Meridian and Gulfport, Miss., said Dennis McGinn, retired vice admiral and the Navy’s assistant secretary for energy, installations and environment. Since becoming SECNAV, Mabus – a former Mississippi governor - has been pressing for clean energy, conservation and alternate renewable energy sources. (US Naval Institute News 08/21/15)