The US Military has a long history of being on the forefront of cutting edge technology and resource development. When living up to that reputation crosses paths with creating a more efficient and reliable fighting force, the US Military doesn’t take its time. There are a number of reasons why the military is interested in moving towards renewables and sustainable practices. It can save enormous sums of money and time. Convoys of oil and other energy sources that previously were required to maintain base operations may become obsolete as renewable energy sources begin to replace conventional fuels. In Iraq, where one in eight casualties is the result of protecting fuel convoys, this prospect has appeal.  Furthermore, from a financial perspective, moving to renewables also has its appeals. In 2010, the US Department of Defense spent over $15 billion on energy costs. Recent investments in stationary, portable and other renewable energy technologies has the potential to make soldiers and entire combat bases self-sustaining, negating the need for continuous fuel supply chains and large, prohibitive batteries. Furthermore, the military even intends to make at least six army bases in the continental United States entirely self-sustaining by 2020, removing any reliance on existing grid infrastructure. 

 

This meeting will address not only recent advances in energy security in the military and promising future aspirations, but also how the military has historically been a leader in energy and technology advances and how today’s military leadership can be used to develop the private sector within the US.

 

Potential discussion topics include:

 

• Current investments in renewable energy development for base operations

• Renewable energy and the modern soldier: doing away with heavy batteries and introducing lightweight solar panels and advanced electronics

• How is renewable energy making combat bases more effective

 

• What historical role has the military played being a leader of technology and industry development?

• Are past military leadership examples applicable to the current trends towards renewable energy and sustainability?

•  What timeline or scaled relationship has military adaptation of new technologies has to private sector investment and development?

 

• What can the private sector expect to gain from military developments?

• How can the private sector become involved in military RE developments as a way of developing the private industry?

• What benchmarks will signal private sector development? 

• How can the private sector nurture partnerships to secure industry promise?