The U.S. military is working its way, it seems, to a new approach to energy issues. The Office of the Secretary of Defense has multiple studies of energy and energy efficiency, including a new Defense Science Board study ongoing (which builds on the excellent 2001 study,
Improving Fuel Efficiency of Weapon Platforms (warning, PDF)).
These issues are making there way into the operating forces. Just reported today by Inside Defense is that on 25 July, the commander of Multi-National Force-West (MNF-W) in Iraq has asked for the deployment of renewable energy systems -- ASAP -- as a tool to reduce fuel requirements and thus reduce fuel use in Iraq.
Specifically called out is a product from Sky Built, the Mobile Power Station, which packages a power system -- all its components, including wind turbines and solar cells -- into a container that can be set up anywhere in the world for reliable electrical generation.
Major General Richard Zilmer, USMC, made this request and it has been categorized as "Priority 1" need. The field commander has argued that tapping renewable energy sources would lower dependence on fossil fuels ... lower the requirement to move fuel into the area and betweeen different outposts ... and thus put fewer lives at risk.
By reducing the need for [fuels] at our outlying bases, we can decrease the frequency of logistics convoys on the road, thereby reducing the danger to our Marines, soldiers, and sailors.
As per the 2001 study, moving fuel around theater is actually the largest fuel use for USMC and USA forces. The renewable power sources -- which will cut the fuel requirements for electrical generation (at least the Skybuilt systems) will thus lower the cost of fuel.
And while not huge sums compared to the $100s billions being spent in Iraq, these systems will also save money. While small solar and wind have a hard time competing with on-grid power systems in the United States, generators in Iraq aren't delivering electricity at 5-10 cents a kilowatt. Think about the logistical system to get the fuel in theater, the people operating the systems, and otherwise. The electricity is FAR more expensive in dollars -- and people's lives -- than what utilities deliver to your home. The Skybuilt system, by reducing the requirements for fuel movements, will quickly pay for themselves in addition to reducing the risk to people driving around in convoys.
Now, the Skybuilt system is pretty tremendous [truth in advertising -- I've seen two of their early models & was impressed -- no financial relationship] and offers up potential for far more than "just" these military situations. For example, this could be excellent for border monitoring or anywhere far from electrical wires. These could be used for relief aid in disasters, and left behind as renewable energy schools, clinics, community centers. Think what 100 of these might have offered for Pakistani earthquake aid!
Now, back to Iraq ... Renewable electricity for US bases. Great. A step forward. Reduce pollution. Save a few dollars. Reduce risk to soldiers and reduce, by a few, required numbers of personnel. But, there are so many more opportunities. For example, why not solar hot water heating? There is much hot water required -- for showers, cooking, washing vehicles. This is another easily deployed renewable energy source.
But, even better, our foreign aid into Iraq (and Afghanistan and ...) associated with military forces should have a large renewable energy component. How much better off would electricity and power be in these countries if we had been providing solar and wind power to schools, hospitals, clinics, government offices, etc from day 1? Pretty hard for "insurgents" to attack their children's school's PV panels. This distributed power would have reduced the risk to the electrical system through attacks on wires, transformers, and major plants.
Amid terror over our energy picture and global warming (catastrophic climate change/chaos), there are signs of tipping points toward a better future energy path. That field commanders are demanding renewable energy systems just might be one of those tipping points.