Pentagon to install rooftop solar panels

The Pentagon will install solar panels as part of the first round of $250 million in grants to improve renewable energy in federal buildings, the Energy Department confirmed Wednesday.

In addition to rooftop panels, the Pentagon's renovations include solar thermal panels and a heat recovery pump system. Other recipients include an on-site solar power facility at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's Federal Executive Laboratory in Charlottesville, Virginia, and a heat project at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center that will reduce emissions by approximately 2,240 tons annually. Includes pump system.

The $104 million award, paid for by the bipartisan Infrastructure Act Fund, is “hopefully the first of its kind.” [round] One of three,” a Pentagon spokesperson told The Hill during a Q&A after the briefing.

The Department of Energy's Federal Energy Management Program is scheduled to begin accepting applications for its second round of funding later this month.

“President Biden will require the federal government to make more than 300,000 building sites more energy efficient and climate resilient,” White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Brenda Mallory told reporters. “We're asking them to lead by example, and that means cleaner air across the country.” “As part of the President's Investment Plan for America, this investment will create thousands of good-paying jobs, save taxpayers money, and build healthier communities while meeting the administration's ambitious Contribute to achieving federal sustainability goals.”

The Biden administration announced federal building performance standards in 2022, requiring federal agencies to achieve zero direct greenhouse gas emissions in at least 30% of federal buildings by the end of this decade. The Department of Energy estimates the project announced Wednesday will save about $30 million in energy and water costs while reducing emissions equivalent to 23,042 fewer gas-powered cars on the road.

The U.S. military is the largest emitter of any federal government sector, but national militaries generally account for about 6 percent of total global emissions. According to the 2019 report If the country had an independent military, it would be the world's 47th largest emitter, according to Durham and Lancaster Universities.