Defense leading the way in energy savings.

• Author: Farrell, Jr., Lawrence P.
• Position: PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE

OUR ENORMOUS national appetite for energy at last has emerged as a national security issue. The Pentagon, fortunately, is now assuming a leadership role in areas spanning energy-saving technologies and alternative fuels.

While the Defense Department--which accounts for about 1 percent of the nation's fuel expenditures--alone cannot drive market forces, it is in fact the single largest consumer of petroleum fuels in the United States. Therefore, it is appropriate it takes the lead in energy-related initiatives and explores innovative technologies that could eventually transition to civilian society.

While it's not a glamorous subject, energy is critical to success on the battlefield, notes Pep. Joel Hefley, R-Colo., chairman of the House Armed Services readiness subcommittee. "The Air Force alone sees a $600 million increase in the annual cost of doing business for every $10 increase in the price of a barrel of oil," he points out. Although the majority of energy consumption in the Defense Department is for transportation, installation energy requirements also must be considered.

John Young, director of defense research and engineering, and Philip Grone, deputy undersecretary of defense for installations and environment, highlighted several key elements of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the department's fossil fuel requirements. They are co-chairs of Department of Defense Energy Security Task Force, which was established by the secretary of defense in April 2006.

According to its preliminary findings, the task force estimates that the military, services have already made significant advances in energy efficiency and have reduced energy consumption during the past several decades. While the department currently relies on renewable sources for 9 percent of its electricity, its stated goal is to have 25 percent of its electricity fueled by renewable sources by 2025.

Young also identifies a number of research and engineering efforts to improve the energy efficiency of tactical vehicles and weapons platforms. Energy for mobility--to power aircraft, ships and vehicles--accounts for 74 percent of the department's total energy usage.

Michael Aimone, Air Force assistant deputy chief of staff for logistics, installations and mission support, says the Air Force intends to have at least 50 percent of aviation fuel derived from domestic supplies by 2016. To that end, he cites the recent successful test of a B-52 Stratofortress bomber using synthetic...