Apex is working to develop clean energy projects that don’t hamper military facilities

Posted 31 May 2016 at 12:00 am

The Department of Defense is actively pursuing renewable energy projects, and while reducing carbon emissions and cost savings are considered important, the driving force for the military is energy security supporting mission accomplishment.

All four branches are progressing toward a cleaner, safer, and energy-independent future, with Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy recently signing the largest U.S. military renewable project to date with Apex Clean Energy: 65.8 Megawatts of off-base wind and on-base solar at Fort Hood, Texas.

Apex Clean Energy, the parent company for Lighthouse Wind, has been engaged in ongoing dialogues with the Department of Defense on commercial projects around the country. While these conversations are not always in the headlines, our nation’s Department of Defense has worked closely with Apex Clean Energy on multiple projects, several of which have included determining mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and viability of military operations centers. There is a process with DOD to ensure unhampered operations of their facilities on a case-by-case basis.

It was my pleasure to visit with various stakeholders in and around the Lighthouse Wind proposed project area last week to share information and clear up some misperceptions regarding the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

As we described to multiple groups last week, the Department of Defense’s Siting Clearinghouse has stated in writing that the Lighthouse Wind project is “unlikely to impact” operations at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, and Apex Clean Energy will work shoulder to shoulder with DOD and the community to support the mission now and in the future.

Based on a thoughtful suggestion from a local Reservist, Lighthouse Wind will install night-vision-compatible lighting to facilitate low-altitude training for the life of the project. Take it from the retired colonel who oversaw close air support for the Battle of Fallujah:  you couldn’t find a better partner than Apex Clean Energy to both provide clean energy and support the local military mission.

Dave Belote

Mr. Belote is a retired colonel with the U.S. Air Force, and is currently Senior Vice President of Cassidy & Associates in Washington, DC. Belote is a former F-16 pilot who earned two Bronze Stars during Operation Iraqi Freedom and is the former commander of Nellis Air Force Base. He is also working as a consultant for Apex.