Research Says Military to Drive U.S. Renewable Energy 'Revolution'
From 25x'25 Weekly Resource

The Department of Defense (DOD) is positioned to become the single most important driver of the clean tech revolution in the United States, according to a recent report from Colorado-based Pike Research. The firm estimates annual spending on renewable energy by the DOD will reach $10 billion by 2030. While a significant portion of the amount will be spent on facilities operations, including permanent bases, the majority of the spending will be for mobility applications including portable soldier power as well as land, air, and sea vehicles.

"Military investment in renewable energy and related technologies can help bridge the 'valley of death' that lies between research and development and full commercialization of these technologies," said Pike Research president Clint Wheelock.

The firm estimates that the DOD currently spends approximately $20 billion per year on energy – 75 percent for fuel and 25 percent for facilities and infrastructure. Among the key sectors that will receive significant Pentagon attention and investment over the next two decades are solar power for both permanent bases and temporary facilities; fuel cells for individual soldier power; microgrids for military facilities; and biofuels for military vehicles, particularly the Navy’s “Great Green Fleet” initiative to shift to a largely biofuels-driven fleet by 2016.

The total market for renewable energy for mobile power for forward bases and temporary installations, for instance, is forecast to reach $6.1 billion by 2030. By way of comparison, the total annual expenditure by China on renewable energy for military applications will reach $4.5 billion in 2030. For a free executive summary of the report, click HERE.