El Paso Electric to construct 5 MW solar facility on Holloman Air Force Base
The U.S. Air Force and El Paso Electric (EPE) have finalized a joint agreement for the construction of a solar facility on Holloman Air Force Base (HAFB).
The new 5 MW solar facility will be dedicated to serve HAFB, and is the first project to be built by EPE that will be dedicated for use by a military installation. The construction schedule will be finalized shortly by EPE and HAFB. Construction is set to begin in December, and is expected to be online in 2017.
“We look forward to this partnership with Holloman Air Force as we make strides in our shared goal of a cleaner, healthier environment and,” Mary Kipp, CEO of El Paso Electric, said. “The Air Force, just like EPE, recognizes the need to continue improving the sustainability of our region through efforts of conservation and renewable energy.
HAFB is located six miles southwest of Alamogordo, New Mexico, and covers 59,639 acres of land in the Tularosa Basin. The base contains the world’s longest high-speed test track, and is home to the 49th Wing, which deploys worldwide in support of national security objectives. It supports approximately 21,000 military personnel and their families, and hosts two schools.
