Base makes strides in energy efforts Published Sept. 28, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Vann Miller 78 ABW/PA ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- For more than a year, the Energy Office on Robins has tried to make people smart on ways to curb energy usage on the base. The team has done this not only with Robins in mind, but a desire to help the Air Force and the United States become more energy independent. The Air Force has historically been the largest user of energy in the federal government. In 2008, the Air Force spent $9 billion on fuel and electricity. Meanwhile, the U.S. federal government is the greatest consumer of energy-related products in the world. Beyond the energy campaign, how does an individual help the base, the Air Force and the U.S. reach their energy goals? Many members of Team Robins are making a difference and employees should be commended for their efforts in energy reduction. In one major holiday last year, Robins used 362,875 fewer kilowatt hours compared to the same holiday two years prior. But the leaders here understand major changes are required to reach the goals we've set. So far, Robins has made some interesting strides toward energy reduction. In finding alternative sources, the base has already implemented both solar power and hydrogen alternatives into its operations. For example, the solar panel, on demonstration here for one year, is capable of producing 25 Department of Defense to develop an alternative fuel source. Currently, there are some vehicles using the new hydrogen fuel cell, but there is a plan in to use hydrogen in approximately 100 vehicles assigned to the Defense Distribution Depot here. And in 2009, the base signed a partnership with Georgia Power to buy 40 percent of the alternative energy the company produces. This agreement allows Robins to meet its goal of obtaining 5 percent of its energy from renewable sources. (Since then, Georgia Power has increased its renewable energy production; but, Robins still purchases the largest volume of green energy in Georgia.) Team Robins members know it will take a change in culture to reach energy independence and with the efforts under way; it would seem as though the base is heading in the right direction. To learn more, including how you may help, please call the Energy Office at 327-8663 or email commanderkillawatt@robins.af.mil.