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President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing
the Department of Defense—historically known as the War Department—to
prioritize long-term power purchase agreements with coal-fired power plants.
The directive states that securing stable agreements with
these plants is a matter of national security. According to the president's
position, having reliable and continuous power sources is crucial for
maintaining the operational capacity of military installations, strategic
bases, and critical systems in the face of potential emergencies.
The executive order also emphasizes the importance of
strengthening the reliability of the electrical grid, especially during periods
of high demand or emergencies. The measure is based on the premise that coal,
because it is not dependent on variable weather conditions, can provide
stability to the energy system compared to other intermittent sources.
With this executive action, the administration seeks to integrate
energy and defense objectives, promoting agreements that strengthen both the
electrical infrastructure and the operational capacity of the U.S. military.