Is the Army energizing a new IT market?

The Army announces a new task force to target its renewable energy goals.

In another sign that the energy market is evolving into an IT opportunity, the Army has established a new task force to look at ways it can deal with energy security problems, rising fuel prices and federal mandates for energy efficiency.

One goal is to develop large-scale renewable energy products and form more strategic and financial ties with industry to reach the Army's goal of using 25 percent renewable energy by 2025. 

At the GovEnergy Conference in Cincinnati, Army Secretary John McHugh announced that Energy Initiatives Office Task Force will serve as the central managing office for renewable energy projects.

The Army estimates it will spend $7.1 billion during the next 10 years to generate 2.1 million megawatt hours of power annually. The task force will be operational by Sept. 15.