Echoing recent studies by policy groups the Center for Naval Analyses and the Brookings Institution, consulting firm Deloitte LLC issued a report last week that warned of the dangers of dependence on fossil fuels to national security and urged the Pentagon to put renewable fuels and energy efficiency on a fast track.
Deloitte’s findings don’t differ much from the earlier studies, but its report does emphasize public-private partnerships as the best, and perhaps only, way forward that can enable the Department of Defense to meet important targets for reducing petroleum consumption, increasing use of renewable fuels and increasing energy efficiency for forward operations.
“Aerospace and defense industry organizations are well placed,” Deloitte wrote, “to take leadership in the development of alternative energy through public-private partnerships, in order to increase America’s defense, through the reduction of fossil fuel-based energy supply requirements in war theaters.”
Despite efficiency improvements in vehicles, ships and aircraft, gallons of fuel used daily per U.S. soldier during wartime since the Vietnam war has increased 175 percent, according to Deloitte’s Nov. 10 report, “Energy Security–America’s Best Defense.”
Energy security is essential to reduce wartime casualties, Deloitte said. “With the significant number of U.S. soldiers supporting the transport, logistics, and deployment of fossil fuel to the front lines, there is a call to action to reduce dependence on oil in war. Energy security is America’s best defense.”
“It is clear that our nation’s dependence on oil and other fossil fuels puts our fighting men and women at risk,” said Tom Captain, vice chairman, Deloitte’s global and U.S. Aerospace & Defense leader, and a co-author of the report.
DoD can’t address the situation alone, the research group insisted, “without help from its partners both inside and outside of government. What will be required is a sophisticated interagency process, as well as a variety of public-private partnerships.
“Only such cooperative action can maximize available research and development funds, provide the scale necessary to fulfill the demand of both the private and the military requirement, share technology and development tools and centers, and combine the government and industry talent pool and intellectual capital.”
“As has been the case throughout history, all of these technologies will be applicable far beyond military use. The entire nation is on course for a new energy future, and the DoD is committed to working with existing and new partners to lead the way.”
“If the military can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, it will help solve the strategic vulnerability that results from having such an oil-intense force,” said Charles Wald, a retired four-star Air Force general, who is a director and senior adviser in Deloitte’s aerospace and defense practice and co-author of the study.
“Many people in various sectors of the economy are realizing that energy efficiency, conservation and the use of alternative fuels are not just good for the environment, but good for business as well. In this case, it’s the business of protecting American lives.”
The Deloitte report cited several DoD energy security initiatives for accelerated deployment:
- Common biofuels for aircraft and large horsepower engines. In the private sector, FedEx and Virgin Airways have committed to powering a significant portion of their air and ground fleets with biofuels by 2020. The Navy and Air Force are looking at similar programs. The Air Force has tested liquid coal fuel in their aircraft, and the Navy is in the process of conducting a large scale ship test using biofuel derived from algae.
- Hybrid/electrical/biofuel. Technology for the next generation of ground vehicles, which will also include built-in, multi-use generators as a common feature, must be developed and deployed.
- Solar and energy storage. Affordable, durable and lightweight solar technology on permanent and temporary structures, including tents, should be commonplace. Energy storage technology innovation should be pursued vigorously.
- Engine/propulsion technology. Innovation and invention at the high end of the technology spectrum is necessary. Research and development cost requirements will demand creative funding sources and spur more cooperation between industry and government.