Fort Bliss Holds First-Ever “Energy Rodeo”

It’s a rodeo of a different type.

Fort Bliss held its first ever Renewable Energy Rodeo and Symposium June 8-9, showcasing new technologies and innovations designed to help the military reduce its dependence on foreign oil.

One of the visitors was an electric Hummer that will begin testing at Fort Bliss later this year. David West, vice president of marketing for Raser Technologies, says, “We worked with General Motors to develop this 100 mile-per-gallon electric Hummer. It’s not a hybrid like we’re used to; it’s a fully electric vehicle.”

He adds it’s simple to use. “I just plug ’em in at home. That’s it. When you get ready to go to work in the morning, you’re full of fuel and it only costs you 50 cents a gallon versus that three to four dollars (per gallon of gas).”

Exhibitors at the energy rodeo understand the Borderland is a perfect location for solar energy, and that Fort Bliss can also take advantage.

“The Army’s very interested in finding ways to use renewable resources in the battlefield and El Paso and the surrounding area offers…great resources in renewable power sources,” says Erik Kallio, team leader for Transportation Energy Security at the U.S. Army’s TARDEC (Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center).

Kallio adds that reducing fuel demands by introducing renewable energy can potentially help soldiers who are on the front lines.