The Air Force has awarded a $7.3 million contract towards the construction of a one-megawatt solar power plant at Buckley AFB, Colo. The Denver Business Journal reported Tuesday that the US division of London-based AMEC received the contract to design the solar photovoltaic system for the base. According to the newspaper, AMEC intends to complete the project in just over a year. The Buckley initiative is just one of USAF’s solar energy projects. The service is erecting a three-megawatt solar farm at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, is promoting the creation of a solar energy system at Edwards AFB. Calif., and just recently began operation of a new 220-kilowatt solar plant at Hill AFB, Utah.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.