Navy makes biggest federal purchase of renewable energy in U.S. history

U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA) was present at Naval Base Coronado on Friday in San Diego for the signing of the largest renewable energy purchase in history by a U.S.  federal entity.

The deal between the U.S. Navy and Sempra Energy will bring solar energy from the new Mesquite 3 facility in Arizona to power portions of 14 Navy and Marine Corps installations across California, including every installation in San Diego County. There are seven military bases in Peters' 52nd Congressional District.

“The U.S. Department of Defense is the largest institutional consumer of energy in the world,” Peters said. “By investing in alternate sources and diversifying their energy-supply portfolio, the DOD can lead the way in advancing renewable energy technologies. And that is what our military leaders want – both in the United States and on bases around the world. It provides the military with the tools necessary to complete missions safely and efficiently. This deal is a big leap forward.”

At the signing, Peters introduced Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and was joined on stage by Sempra U.S. President and CEO Patricia Wagner as well as  Ronald Moulton,  senior vice president of the Western Area Power Administration.