Yokota cuts costs, boosts readiness with new power plant Published Nov. 6, 2023 By Staff Sgt. Spencer Tobler 374th Airlift Wing YOKOYA AIR BASE, Japan -- Airmen from the 374th Airlift Wing hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil a new power plant at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 3. The combined heating and power plant came as a result of an energy savings performance contract with Schneider Electric that went into effect in 2020. The plant modernizes and expands energy control systems for Yokota, reduces the base’s carbon footprint and allows access to power independent from local sources. U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, gives remarks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new power plant at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 3, 2023. At the ceremony, Roddan said the power plant makes Yokota a more capable, resilient and effective base to operate from. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Spencer Tobler) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “This is about making us a more capable, resilient and effective base for the U.S. Department of Defense to operate from,” said Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander. “Yesterday, we solely relied on the electricity provided by the Japanese grid, controlled by an antiquated system. Today, we increased the resilience of this critical base by providing depth to our independent power capability.” The contract is one of the largest, most resilience-based performance contracts undertaken by the DoD to date. In addition to serving as a standalone power grid, the new plant is projected to generate over $406 million in guaranteed energy savings over its contact term, underscoring the Department of the Air Force’s commitment to developing sustainable energy practices and securing national defense. “We’ve implemented many energy-saving measures across the base over the course of this contract,” said Mary Barfield, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron engineering flight chief. “We are continuously working to improve facilities across Yokota to improve the quality of life for our base community.” A new power plant is displayed at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Nov. 3, 2023. The power plant is a product of an energy savings performance contract and was built to sustain mission readiness and improve overall efficiency while simultaneously minimizing reliance on local power sources. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Spencer Tobler) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Roddan said the plant serves as an innovative solution that will posture the wing to support worldwide security and prosperity. “This project is a testament to the power of innovative energy solutions and the capabilities of the U.S. armed forces,” said Roddan. “This will help ensure our continued success in protecting the national interest of the U.S. and our allies around the globe.”