Special Report: Fort Bliss Taking Steps To Go Net-Zero With Energy

The Army has made many changes to go green and become more energy-efficient. Now it’s taking the effort one step further.

Last month Fort Bliss was one of two installation nominated as a pilot, integrated net-zero facility. Net-zero is like living off the grid.

The goal is to have the post produce as much renewable energy as it consumes in one year.

“No, I never thought I’d be out here doing this,” said B.J. Tomlinson. He was brought in as the renewable energy and sustainability program manager at Fort Bliss for the net-zero project last October.

With between $700 million and $1.5 billion dollars worth of pressure on his shoulders, the El Paso native and University of Texas at El Paso graduate is taking on the challenge of a lifetime.

“It is one of those things that just — you don’t want to fail,” Tomlinson said.

Net-zero is expected to save money and allow the post to become self-sufficient, not having to rely on other resources that may fail. This, Tomlinson said, is also a matter of security.

“We can’t do our mission if the lights turn off,” said Tomlinson. “When it comes down to national interest and protecting the country, we have to be able to execute our mission,” he continued.

Tomlinson said the post will be net-zero energy, waste and water by 2020. But he explained they’re trying to achieve those goals earlier: net-zero energy by 2015, water and waste by 2018.

Achieving net-zero waste means converting trash into energy. “The heat from that process would be used to boil water and then that will be used to drive turbines and then you can make electricity,” Tomlinson said.

Net-zero water would require minimizing water usage and using recycled water. “If we could find a way to actually treat that and then reuse it somehow, I think our consumption goes way down and then you’re being sustainable. You’re helping preserve the environment by doing that,” he said.

The primary source for net-zero energy is solar panels. Solar arrays are already part of Fort Bliss’ attempt at becoming energy-efficient.

One of several buildings on post is under construction. The 1950s-era building is getting renovated to fit into the 21st century and become energy efficient. Right next to it is a large solar array. Officials said this array will provide 80 percent of the electricity for this one building.

Solar arrays are also heating the post’s pool. The largest array can be found at one of the dining facilities in east Fort Bliss.

“In the future, the way we want to work is that we will build generation capability on Fort Bliss that will actually produce electricity — renewable electricity from renewable sources like solar, wind, the waste energy, geothermal and then be able to consume that on post,” said Tomlinson.

To achieve net-zero, energy officials are currently looking at land availability and complying with environmental protection standards.

Tomlinson said they’re also looking for entities in the private sector to form partnerships with the Army.