MEDIA RELEASE: Air Force seeks developers for Alaska coal plant lease Published Oct. 17, 2012 By AFCEC Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- The Air Force is requesting qualifications from private industry interested in leasing a combined heat and power plant at Clear Air Force Station, Alaska. Currently, the 22.5-megawatt coal power plant there is running below capacity and has the potential to generate more power than is needed for the installation. As an Enhanced Use Lease, the excess power could be sold to the Alaska power grid, improving energy security for the area. Lease payments to the Air Force could help the installation fund much-needed repairs and infrastructure needs without using taxpayer resources. The plant is the station's sole source of electricity and heating, and is located on 26.5 acres of land with access to a railroad track. The Air Force anticipates receiving in-kind consideration for the lease, and the winning developer is responsible for needed upgrades at the plant, providing for newer, cleaner technology. The Air Force Civil Engineer Center issued a Request for Qualifications Oct. 11 for developers interested in the project. The RFQ is on the Federal Business Opportunities website at www.fbo.gov.