MoD Looks to Renewable Energy for Troop Power

The British military is looking to renewable energy for its future troop power needs.

At the start of February 2011, the Ministry of Defence sent out communications to contractors for details of new green energy technologies that could effectively support the work of troops deployed in Afghanistan.

These new technologies could harness both wind energy and solar energy to reduce the use of convoys in such a hostile part of the world. While convoys – in delivering in new supplies – perform a vital role, they are at risk of attack, and they’re expensive, too.

MoD: Renewable Energy

The MoD has already acquired adopted one form of renewable energy technology - lightweight solar cells, for use by British troops based in Helmand Province. These will make their frontline debut in late summer 2011 and, besides promoting the idea of green military energy use, will have a further benefit – they’ll reduce soldier loads by taking over from the heavyweight batteries presently used, too.

The photovoltaic panels convert solar energy into electricity and, visually, they resemble large mats that can be compacted and stowed away.

Now, the MoD is keen to further embrace alternative energy concepts and implement them at remote military sites deep in the heart of Taliban land. The criteria are wide and cover a range of military needs. These include cleaner power for electricity generators, which currently run on diesel power, but also much more domestic requirements, like uniform-washing, and ways of making the process more energy efficient

Renewable Troop Power

Using renewable sources for troop power needs can’t bring about a dip in quality, though, as Ray Fielding, representing DE&S (the Defence Equipment and Support agency), explained to the Press Association.

“Alternative power systems must provide a similar level of electrical power with the same degree of robustness and remove the logistics burden of transporting fuel to the base”, he was quoted as having said.

“There must be no compromise to the effectiveness of the operations.”

“Although more efficient generators offer one possible solution, to minimise regular resupplies of diesel, renewable technologies are of great interest. While a single technology may not be the answer it may be possible to combine a number of approaches to supply the power needed.”

See also:

Companies providing Solar Panels

Companies providing Soldier Systems