THE United States military is the largest customers for fuels, so it was good news for the biofuels industry when the Department of the Navy and USDA agreed on Jan. 21 to work together on the development of advanced biofuels and other renewable energy systems.
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus has set four, specific goals for moving the Navy and Marine Corps onto an aggressive renewable energy – including advanced fuels -- agenda. He outlined those goals as he and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at supporting the Navy’s program.
"In order to secure the strategic energy future of the United States, create a more nimble and effective fighting force, and protect our planet from destabilizing climate changes, I have committed the Navy and Marine Corps to meet aggressive energy targets that go far beyond previous measures," Mabus said in a statement.
The goals include:
- By 2012, demonstrate a Green Strike Group composed of nuclear vessels and ships powered by biofuel;
- By 2016, sail the Strike Group as a “Great Green Fleet” composed of nuclear ships, surface combatants equipped with hybrid electric alternative power systems running on biofuel, and aircraft running on biofuel;
- By 2015, cut petroleum use in its 50,000 non-tactical commercial fleet in half, by phasing in hybrid, flex fuel and electric vehicles; and
- By 2020, produce at least half of shore based installations' energy requirements from alternative sources. Also 50pc percent of all shore installations will be net zero energy consumers. By 2020 half of DoN's total energy consumption for ships, aircraft, tanks, vehicles and shore installations will come from alternative sources.
The biofuels and renewable energy industries have long looked to military – and other government departments – as major potential customers for the new technologies.
"USDA looks forward to working with the Navy and other public and private partners to advance the production of renewable energy by sharing technical, program management and financial expertise," Vilsack said in a statement issued after signing the USDA-Navy MOU on Jan. 21.
The MOU complements USDA and The Navy and Marine Corps' existing renewable energy programs and efforts. USDA has a variety of programs and services that support renewable energy development as does the Department of Energy.
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