Final Environmental Assessment: For a One-Megawatt Solar Array at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station
Abstract
The United States Air Force (USAF) Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station (CMAFS) proposes to install a solar array on CMAFS in response to legislation requirements including Executive Order 13423 and the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Within the past several years, costs and demand for energy produced through non-renewable resources, such as crude oil, have increased dramatically. In response to this energy crisis, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (PL I 09-58), which was signed by President Bush on August 8, 2005. Among the many energy conservation measures, the Act directs the federal government to use more renewable energy, with a goal of using 7.5 percent or more by 2013. Solar power is among the renewable energy sources promoted in the Act. Outside sources of electric power used by CMAFS are provided by Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and by Demand Side Management and Renewable Energy Solutions - Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) which also provides electrical power to the Colorado Springs metropolitan area. The CSU have a mix of self-generated hydroelectric power (34-megawatt [MW]); purchased wind power ( 1-MW); and customer provided photovoltaic power (189 kilowatts in 2008, and approximately 400 kilowatts in 2009). Colorado Springs Utilities have purchased renewable energy credits (RECs) and are in the process of purchasing 50 MW of electricity from wind generating sources. The CSU has been able to meet their Renewable Energy requirement in 2008 with self-generated hydroelectric power. The construction and operation of a 1-MW solar array would provide the base with up to 4.5 percent of its required electricity, which would decrease the CMAFS reliance on WAPA and CSU electrical power. The Proposed Action would support the EPACT, increase overall Air Force use of renewable energy, and allow CMAFS to support the DOD installation energy policy long-range goal for renewable energy use.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA634763
Entities
People
- Dwayne Ray
- Jacqueline C. Eldridge
- Jim Knight
- Robert Sculley