Solar installers and developers are looking at huge opportunity with the Army and Corps of Engineers $7 billion request for proposals for renewable energy projects.

More than 600 industry representatives showed up to a pre-proposal conference in Huntsville, Ala. Last week.

The Corps of Engineers issued a Multiple Award Task Order Contract request for proposals that closes Oct. 5 and asks for solutions that will move the Department of Defense closer to its goal of installing three gigawatts of onsite renewable energy at all U.S. military bases by 2025. The Army's goal is one gigawatt of that total.

“The MATOC is another example of the Army's efforts toward an agile procurement process, said Debra Valine, chief public affairs office for the Army Engineering and Support Center in Huntsville. “This will streamline and increase our ability to advance installation energy security at an accelerated pace.”

The mass RFP is coming from a White House initiative announced in April to reduce energy dependence at U.S. military bases. These goals support the broader DoD goal to enhance installation energy security and reduce installation energy costs.

Valine said the $7 billion would support solar, wind, geothermal and biomass technologies and that the RFP applies to all U.S. Army bases without any preference given to bases that have made bigger sustainability commitments.

While the idea is to contribute to energy independence and keep military bases operational even when local grid power is interrupted by storms, disasters or other issues, bases will likely partner with their host communities and local utility providers on some of the projects.

“The Army recognizes that installation energy security considerations go beyond the fence line,” Valine said. “The ability of an installation's personnel (soldiers, civilians, and contractors) to perform during an adverse energy event depends at least partially on their families' and homes' situation. Some of the projects, either directly or indirectly, may support nearby electrical grid stability and capacity.”