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South Burlington, Vermont - March 2, 2009
A snowy field could soon be the site of Vermont's largest solar power project.
"Right here what we're looking at right now is one of our prime proposed sites if we go the photovoltaic route," explained Col. Doug Fick, Commander of the Vermont Air National Guard.
The Guard is considering adding 5,000 solar panels to its base in South Burlington. Engineers are studying the site to see how best to incorporate renewable energy onto the site.
"If we do it right, we see this will be a model for other guard units around the country to become less dependent on fossil fuels," said Maj. Gen. Michael Dubie, Vt. Adjutant General.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, said, "This is a demonstration project. The goal here is to lead by example."
Sanders announced a $5 million appropriation for the project from the Defense Department's 2009 budget.
"If the Vermont National Guard can make significant breakthroughs in sustainable energy in general-- solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, whatever it will be, this sets an example for the entire U.S. military, which consumes an enormous amount of energy," Sanders explained.
Right now the base spends nearly half a million dollars a year on electricity. The Guard estimates the renewable energy project could cut that by 20 percent-- a potential cost savings of $100,000 a year. But at an upfront cost of $5 million, it will take 50 years for the project to pay for itself.
"This project will not only help the Vermont National Guard reduce its electric bill and its carbon footprint, but it will be a major step forward in moving our state toward a greener economy which relies more and more on sustainable energy," Sanders said.
The project is in its initial planning stages but Guard officials estimate it could be under construction by this time next year.
Kate Duffy - WCAX News
