Air Force officials to host renewable energy symposium at Davis-Monthan AFB 6/8/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force officials said here that they will look to strengthen their industry partnership efforts at the Air Force's Renewable Energy Industry Symposium June 28 through 29 at the Lowes Ventura Canyon Resort, Tucson, Ariz. The symposium is an opportunity for industry members to see how they can partner with the Air Force to increase the service's use of renewable energy on installations across the U.S. Air Force officials, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy Dr. Kevin Geiss, and Air Force Civil Engineer Maj. Gen. Timothy A. Byers, will be on hand to provide details about opportunities for renewable energy development. Senior leaders said they will focus on projects that may be developed through third-party investments on installations using power purchase agreements or enhanced use leases. "I'm anxious to re-engage with industry leaders in another face-to-face meeting," said Ken Gray, the Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency Energy Rates and Renewable Branch chief, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. "Since our last renewable energy industry event in December, the Air Force has issued several requests for information in regard to small wind, geothermal, and biomass. We received a number of responses and will provide industry with feedback of what we are doing with the information." This year's event will be hosted by the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group and the 355th Fighter Wing at nearby Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., and includes speakers from the military, industry and Congress. "It is our intent that bringing together military, industry and congressional leaders will foster a discussion on finding renewable energy solutions," said Col. Patrick Kumashiro, the 309th AMARG commander. Additional speakers include Dr. Gavi Begtrup, who is Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' energy policy director, and Scott Sklar of the Stella Group. With more than 40 renewable energy projects in operation, and dozens more planned, the Air Force officials continue to lead the federal government in reducing energy consumption and increasing supply, service officials said. Environmental Protection Agency officials recently recognized the Air Force as the number two purchaser of green power in the federal government. The event will be limited to the first 200 registrants. For more information, or to register for the event, visit www.event-plans.com/AF. (Courtesy of Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs)