Improving military effectiveness through a 10 day ‘smart energy’ exercise

BusinessGreen provides a good article on recent NATO efforts to address energy consumption while at the same time improving military effectiveness.

NATO targets energy efficiency gains

NATO has turned its fire on energy waste, launching a 10 day ‘smart energy’ exercise to test a range of technologies that cut power use and costs, while improving military effectiveness.

The Exercise Capable Logistician project, taking place in Hungary, involves 1,700 troops and will see more than 50 pieces of equipment tested, while drawing on input from 30 experts from defence agencies and research institutes.

Since 2011, NATO’s Smart Energy programme has been looking at ways to improve the energy efficiency of Allied armed forces through a wide range of technologies and techniques, including the increased use of renewable energy and better energy management.

The technologies on trial this month include micro grids to improve a camp’s energy management, renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar power systems, insulation against both heat and cold, low-energy technologies for water purification, LED lights, and small portable fuel cells for NATO soldiers.

They will be piloted in scenarios designed to mimic power cuts, diesel and water contaminations and generators breaking down. According to NATO, the long-term goal is to introduce technologies that can reduce the fuel consumption by troops deployed on military operations.

“NATO Smart Energy is about empowering the soldier of the future and an important missions enabler for the modern military,” said Ambassador Sorin Ducaru, assistant Secretary General of NATO’s Emergency Security Challenges Division. “It reduces cost and risks of military operations, as well as the environmental footprint of the military.”

The initiative is the latest in a series of investments from military organisations designed to curb greenhouse gases and enhance energy security.