Eglin partners with Gulf Power on solar array

Published Jan. 22, 2015
By Mike Spaits
Team Eglin Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla -- Eglin AFB has entered into negotiations to lease 240 acres of base property to Gulf Power for a solar generation project as part of the base's proposed Enhanced Use Lease.

In the agreement, Gulf Power would use 240 acres for the construction of a photovoltaic solar generation facility on base property near Hwy. 85 adjacent to the NWF Regional Airport. Gulf Power has executed an energy purchase agreement with HelioSage Energy, who was selected to serve as the project developer.

Gulf Power will purchase the power generated by the facility, contingent upon final approval of the project by the Florida Public Service Commission.

"In addition to Eglin receiving fair market value for lease of the land to use for on-base projects, this project offers the installation the potential for a higher level of energy security in the event of emergencies," said Brig. Gen. David Harris, 96th Test Wing commander. "This also helps meet the DoD goal of 25 percent renewables by 2025 and the Air Force's energy goal of one gigawatt of on-site capacity by 2016."