Keesler powers up with innovation

KEESLER AFB, Miss. - Keesler Air Force Base’s commissary parking lot was the site of an Aug. 8 ceremony to introduce a solar voltaic power array project with NORESCO United Technologies. More than 490 solar panels are scheduled to be built on the exchange and parking areas to collect energy from sunlight. The project was initiated by the Keesler Infrastructure Support Division to create a more efficient way of using energy. It is scheduled to be operational in May 2021. Col. Marcia Quigley, 81st Mission Support Group’s commander, said the project will generate 1.5 megawatts to provide long-term efficiency costs across the base. It will be important for dealing with storms, being cleaner and reducing utility costs,” she continued. The project will assist Keesler to reduce energy consumption by 16 percent per year, and saving the Air Force about $2M. (Source: Keesler AFB 08/09/19)