The Marine Corps wants to explore micro-grid and other alternative energy sources to improve power consumption at its Miramar Air Station hangars. Seapower magazine reported Dec. 7 that the F-35 Lightning II aircraft that are due to arrive at the base in 2020 consume 150 percent more utility energy than F/A-18 Hornets or AV-8 Harriers. The base already had to move $1.5 million from other areas to cover high utility costs, Seapower reported. The arrival of the F-35s will require extensive expansion of energy capabilities, because of the aircraft’s significant advanced systems.
“The jet is a power hog of sorts when grounded,” Seapower reported. It requires considerably more energy for maintenance, repairs and operations — not to mention electronics, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
