By U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Howard Bromberg, Commanding General, Fort
Bliss The goal of Fort Bliss, the military and surrounding
communities is to become champions of renewable energy in
production generation, efficiency and conservation. One of the
installation’s goals is to achieve Net Zero, or producing as
much energy as consumed, in the near future. The region is in a
strategic location with wind, solar, biomass and geothermal
resources. Initiatives are already ongoing in many areas to
reach the goal of energy independence by 2015. An original
investment of $56 million dollars is the beginning with a
projected cost between $250 million and $300 million to reach
Net Zero in 10 years. The annual savings estimate starts at
$10-15 million then increases exponentially based on how and
when we achieve Net Zero. In 2025 these savings could be as high
as $90 million if we are truly Net Zero. Becoming energy
efficient, using renewable and alternative sources is the right
thing to do. Fossil fuels will not always be ava