Air force energy self-sufficiency programs

Self-sufficiency for Air Force facility energy has become a top priority in the Air Force's energy program. The impact of outages in relation to the Air Force's six logistic centers has been studied. Several steps have been taken toward self-sufficiency--boilers which are dual fuel capable, utility contracts with base priority, and three month's contingency supplies of liquid and solid fuels. But electricity is not stockpiled, thus threatening the national security. On-base nuclear power is too expensive. But cogeneration, renewable energy, biomass self-sufficiency, and fuel cells are all possibilities. Alternative financing of these projects is discussed. Because the concept of self sufficiency is not yet clearly defined, the road to its achievement is uncertain at present.