Edwards hosts energy developers for solar EUL project Published Feb. 22, 2008 By Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Edwards hosted about 75 private land developers, including energy groups, for a forum and site visit here Feb. 7 to introduce Enhanced Use Lease opportunities on base, including building a solar plant. The purpose of the forum was to provide potential developers information about the Air Force's EUL process, requirements for qualifying, the base's mission and an overview of the project -- which included a site visit to a proposed solar plant location. Through the EUL program, Edwards can lease underutilized land, natural infrastructure, equipment or buildings equal to the assets' fair market value, said Judith Tepperman, Air Force Real Property Agency project team co-lead. Consideration for the EUL may be either cash or in-kind consideration such as construction of new facilities, provision of facilities, operation support or other appropriate services. The Air Force identified 3,288 acres of underutilized land on Edwards for lease, said Enrique Torres, base energy manager with the 95th Civil Engineering and Transportation Directorate. "We have determined the commercial development of a large-scale, solar-powered renewable energy plant would be compatible with operations on base," Mr. Torres said. "Also, our intent is to eventually get free electricity on base." Last year, the base spent about $25 million on gas, water and electricity, he said. The lease program would help reduce electricity costs, which is a large part of the base's utility expenses. "Because of the size of the property, we are also hoping to get additional capital for infrastructure upgrades, such as improvement of electrical distribution, water supply or anything we could think of," Mr. Torres said. The base's solar energy EUL project has three phases, Ms. Tepperman said. Phase I was the concept opportunity study, where the Air Force evaluated potential returns and risks for this development. Phase II included the site visit and the selection process, as well as recommendations. Phase III will provide congressional notification. People from various groups on base, including Environmental Management, Base Operations, different flight test squadrons and 95th CE, contributed to ensure the site selected had the least impact on the Edwards' mission, Mr. Torres said. "The base's solar energy EUL is a very good program," he said. "It capitalizes on the underutilized land that will benefit the Air Force. The money that we save can be used for capital improvements. It is a win-win situation."