The Air Force on Wednesday will host its first-ever renewable energy industry day to provide details about opportunities for renewable energy development to representatives of companies, contractors, and associations in this sector. The event takes place in Irving, Tex., according to service spokesman Gary Strasburg. Senior USAF officials will be on hand, including Terry Yonkers, assistant secretary for installations, environment, and logistics, Kevin Geiss, deputy assistant secretary for energy, and Maj. Gen. Timothy Byers, Air Force civil engineer. With more than 40 renewable energy projects in operation, and dozens more planned, the Air Force leads the federal government in reducing energy consumption and increasing renewable supply. Strasburg said particular focus will be paid at industry day to projects developed through third-party investments on USAF installations. These projects must generate electricity that is competitive or more affordable than current grid rates, he said.
The 301st Fighter Wing in Fort Worth, Texas, became the first standalone Reserve unit in the Air Force to get its own F-35s, welcoming the first fighter Nov. 5.