FORT BENNING, Ga. – For at least the next 35 years, Fort Benning can claim Georgia’s largest solar park. Political, military and energy officials met Wednesday to officially recognize the the first and largest renewable energy solar project in the state of Georgia. The U.S. Army Office of Energy Initiatives, Georgia Power, the General Services Administration, and Fort Benning were all involved in the efforts.

One of the project planners says the park will power about 4,300 homes per year. It’s all part of the Army’s commitment to alternative energy sources by 2025.

“We have got to get a handle on the cost of our energy,” Congressman Sanford Bishop (GA – 02) said before the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

For at least the next 35 years, Fort Benning can claim Georgia’s largest solar park.

Bishop gives high praise for the potent new energy source. He believes this project, along with three others in the state, will decrease dependence on foreign energy and resources. Bishop says the project will accelerate military readiness, create more efficient energy consumption for veterans and civilians alike, and ignite new leadership in the Southeast to create a trend across the country. Fort Stewart, Fort Gordon, and Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base all stand to gain similar benefits with solar projects of their own.

As for how the first major solar park in Georgia landed in Fort Benning, Georgia Power Vice President of Renewable Development William “Norrie” McKenzie sheds some light.

“Fort Benning was the logical choice for the very first one to go in construction,” McKenzie explained. “They had land that was readily available and ready for us to start construction.”

The solar farm covers 220 acres with nearly 135,000 solar panels. The panels were all delivered from Canada. The entire field represents about 30 megawatts. The end goal for the Georgia solar projects is to create almost 10% of the Department of Defense’s solar renewable energy. The state of Georgia also has the people in mind in pushing for alternative energy.

Georgia Power footed $70 million toward the solar park, representing a nice base of revenue from ad valorem taxes.

“So the local community not only benefits from the construction jobs building this, but for the tax base that will be here for 35 plus years,” McKenzie said.

Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations, Energy and Environment) Katherine Hammack notes the solar field is at peak production, even creating 3% more in energy than originally anticipated.

“There’s a shorter return on investment, which means it’s a lower cost to the taxpayer,” Hammack said.

Georgia Public Service Commissioner Stan Wise is one of five in his position. He says the wait to utilize alternative energy like solar power was well worth it.

“We’re looking more for renewables to be a part of the energy mix in our state,” Wise explained. “But at the same time we want to make sure it’s affordable and reliable and serves the needs of all Georgians.”