Air Force officials are poised to begin negotiations with Fotowatio Renewable Ventures of San Francisco, a leading global independent solar power producer, on a lease deal to develop the largest crystalline photovoltaic solar project in North America on the grounds of Edwards AFB, Calif. The Air Force Real Property Agency said in a release Tuesday that Kathleen Ferguson, USAF’s installations chief, selected FRV as the offeror of choice with which to enter the negotiations following a competitive evaluation of proposals by a USAF team. Once negotiations are finalized and an enhanced use lease is signed with FRV, development of the 3,288-acre solar farm will commence. According to AFRPA, it will deliver enough energy to power nearly 89,000 homes. “This is a great achievement for the Air Force, renewable energy, energy security, and all of our community and commercial partners,” said Bob Moore, AFRPA director.
The Air Force wants to “own and run” more of its air bases, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach said Nov. 6, in what could be a major potential revamp the military’s joint base program. Speaking at the Airlift/Tanker Association’s 2026 Symposium, Wilsbach said he and the…