The White House has issued an executive order instructing the US military to source long-term electricity supply from coal-fired power stations, formalising a coal-first approach to powering bases, command centres and other “mission-critical” sites.

Signed by President Donald Trump and dated February 11, the order argues the grid must not be “reliant on intermittent energy sources” and says coal is “essential to our national and economic security.” It tasks the Secretary of War, working with the Energy Secretary, to approve long-term power purchase agreements with coal generators to serve Department of War installations and other defence and intelligence facilities.

Priority is to be given to projects that enhance grid reliability and blackout prevention, provide on-site fuel security, and ensure mission assurance. The directive cites earlier Trump-era orders that declared a national energy emergency and sought to bolster coal’s role in the US power mix.

The order refers to the Department of War, and reiterates that implementation must comply with existing law and available funding. It does not include costings, timelines, or a target number of contracts, and it specifies that it does not create enforceable rights for third parties.

While many US states and utilities have been retiring coal plants and adding renewables, the administration’s move signals continued federal backing for coal where it powers federal facilities. Long-term federal contracts could extend the operating life of some coal units by guaranteeing demand for military and intelligence infrastructure. How the directive will interact with state clean-energy standards and utility regulation remains to be seen.

The White House frames the step as a grid-resilience measure during disasters or wartime. The practical impact will depend on which bases are covered, the length and structure of the contracts, and whether other non-intermittent sources such as gas or nuclear are also used alongside coal. Further guidance from the Departments of War and Energy on procurement plans is expected.