The US Defense and Interior departments have signed a deal to boost the use of renewable energy on military land, to help strengthen energy security and reduce the military’s $4bn annual utility bill.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together to harness solar, wind, geothermal and biomass energy resources on or near Department of Defense (DoD) installations across the US.

Salazar announced the agreement on the eve of the National Clean Energy Summit, which takes place in Las Vegas today.

“Energy security is critical to our national security,” he said.

“Our nation’s military lands hold great renewable energy potential and this partnership will help ensure that we’re tapping into these resources with a smart and focused approach to power our military, reduce energy costs, and grow our nation’s energy independence.”

The partnership will build on existing plans by the DoD to increase its use of onsite renewables to improve energy security and to reduce its $4bn annual utility bill. Each of the military services has committed to deploying 1GW of renewable enegy on or near its installations by 2025.

The deal establishes a framework for the two departments to work together to identity appropriate areas for offshore wind development. They will also co-chair a military and industry offshore wind forum in the autumn.

The departments also plan to identify suitable locations to install onshore wind turbines, solar and geothermal projects, including on public lands withdrawn for defense-related purposes.

“Developing renewable energy is the right thing to do for national security, as well as for the environment and our economy,” added Panetta.

“Renewable energy projects built on these lands will provide reliable, local sources of power for military installations; allow for a continued energy supply if the commercial power grid gets disrupted; and will help lower utility costs.”