{"id":13851,"date":"2016-08-24T09:39:25","date_gmt":"2016-08-24T14:39:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/energyexchange\/?p=13851"},"modified":"2026-03-14T14:45:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T18:45:28","slug":"new-study-solar-energy-efficiency-can-help-the-texas-national-guard-save-money-and-water","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/energyexchange\/2016\/08\/24\/new-study-solar-energy-efficiency-can-help-the-texas-national-guard-save-money-and-water\/","title":{"rendered":"New Study: Solar, Energy Efficiency Can Help the Texas National Guard Save Money and Water"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"HeroBannerMain24This year has seen historic flooding across the South. In addition to the devastating rains that recently hit Louisiana, severe floods pummeled<\/a> Texas earlier this year. In both cases, the states\u2019 National Guards were first responders, rescuing<\/a> families, delivering meals and supplies to survivors, and providing local agencies with high-water trucks, boats, and helicopters.<\/p>\n

As the frequency of extreme weather events like these<\/a> increases, it is imperative that the National Guard can continue devoting resources to critical, first-responder services. But in Texas, those services could be threatened by the state\u2019s dwindling water supplies.<\/p>\n

A new study<\/a> from CNA Analysis & Solutions, funded by Environmental Defense Fund and in collaboration with the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG), shows many Texas defense facilities are in water-stressed counties. Over time, this could result not only in higher water costs, but also power production constraints, since it requires<\/a> a lot of water to produce and move electricity from traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas. Both of these challenges pose a direct threat to the budget and operating capabilities of the TXARNG. Fortunately, the analysis also indicates these same areas have great potential for solar energy, which requires<\/a> little to no water to meet power needs on-site.<\/p>\n

By tapping into that potential and pursuing bolder energy efficiency initiatives, TXARNG could ease pressure on the electric grid and reduce utility bills, all while safeguarding residents and precious water supplies.<\/p>\n

Impressive solar potential<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"TXARNG<\/a>The TXARNG is a component of the Texas Military Department, and has about 19,000 soldiers operating out of 77 facilities across the state. The new study mapped water stress and the potential for solar, wind, and geothermal energy at 60 of these facilities (17 rental spaces with no purchasing power over energy choices were excluded).<\/p>\n

Due to facility age and the nature of operations, many locations require a lot of power to keep humming. For example, seven of the 60 facilities use more than 1 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year each, which is equivalent<\/a> to 104 homes\u2019 electricity use for one year. The largest installation and the Texas National Guard\u2019s headquarters, Camp Mabry in Austin, uses more than 1,200 homes\u2019 electricity use for one year.<\/p>\n

Among the findings, the potential and need for solar power in Texas stands out. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n