This Wednesday is the Air Force's "Renewable Energy Industry Day"

This Wednesday, the U.S. Air Force is hosting Renewable Energy Industry Day in Irving, Texas. The event is an effort to strengthen connections between the military and civilian green-energy industries. Attendees will include experts in solar, wind, and geothermal power, who'll participate in focus groups with military officers. Also attending will be Major General Timothy A. Beyers, the Air Force's top civil engineer; he oversees operations for bases around the world.

Recently, the whole military announced its plan to slash its fossil-fuel dependence. Using devices like solar-powered computers or drones that run on alternative energy makes strategic sense, as it reduces the need to transport volatile petroleum through dangerous territory.

In the absence of clean-energy legislation this year, the Air Force seems to be realizing its potential as an pioneer in this realm. According to its statement of purpose, the event's goal is to gain “perspective as to how the Air Force can continue to be leaders in renewable energy.”

--Max Huber