Bases to host three solar farms

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Gulf Power is partnering with the Air Force and Navy at three military bases in Northwest Florida to build large-scale solar energy farms. Tentative plans call for the farms to be located at Eglin Air Force Base near Fort Walton Beach (30 megawatts), Holley Outlying Field in Navarre (40 megawatts) and Saufley Field in Pensacola (50 megawatts). As an intermittent engery resource, the solar farms will not replace Gulf Power's generation plants, but will be able to provde energy that will diversify the power supply and provide a cost-effective alternative during peak energy usage. If approved by the Florida Public Service Commission, HelioSage Energy of Virginia would begin construction in February 2016 and the solar farms could be in service by December 2016. (Source: Gulf Power, 01/22/15) According to Eglin officials, the base has entered into negotiations to lease 240 acres adjacent to Northwest Florida Regional Airport for the Gulf Power/HelioSage project.