A new study says the Dept. of Defense is well on its way to meeting its goal of an electric grid that uses more renewable and energy-efficient components.

The report, which the Washington, D.C.-based Pew Charitable Trusts released on Jan. 15, found that DOD energy-efficiency projects more than doubled, to 1,339 in FY 2012 from 630 in FY 2010. Renewable-energy projects jumped 54%, to 700, in that same period.

By the end of 2018, renewable-energy capacity on U.S. military bases could rise more than fivefold, to 2.1 GW, from the 384 MW that was installed in mid-2013. That growth will help DOD reach its target of deploying 3 GW of renewable energy by 2025, Pew said.

Private-sector involvement and innovative financing, such as energy-saving performance contracts and utility energy-service contracts, are parts of DOD's plan. Pew estimates 80% of future DOD renewables projects will be financed through power purchase agreements in which private firms finance, build and maintain projects.

Meanwhile, DOD also will have more latitude in using the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design's (LEED) criteria. The defense authorization bill of 2014, signed into law on Dec. 26, eases some of the restrictions on the DOD's use of the U.S. Green Building Council's rating system.