Cut Energy Spending -- That's An Order!

US News and World Report:

Today, the Air Force and Army, the Defense Department's
two biggest energy consumers, are under strict orders to look into ways to become more earnest energy savers. The potential savings, senior defense officials say, are enormous. So, too, is the possibility for the military to be a catalyst for new technologies applicable in the civilian world.

Flying lighter. Some studies pointedly note that there is plenty of room for improvement within the U.S. military. The Air Force, for example, is the single largest consumer of fuel in the federal government and buys 10 percent of all aviation fuel in the United States. Last year, it burned through 2.4 billion gallons of fuel at a cost of $7.7 billion.

Read the whole story: US News and World Report

Comments

[Givethemhellharry]

Here in Africa, there is a real shortage of electricity. We have come up with a unique solution that radically cuts the need for generators. Our PowerStation uses the generating capability of vehicles to generate and store FREE electricity for use later. Basically an hour of driving gives you lights all night. This is free electricity as it causes a vehicle to use no additional fuel. Our website is www.aaes-ltd.com. This electricity could be used for lights, computers and other essential equipment. Every vehicle owned by the military could be generating and storing electricity just in its normal use.In addition, unlike a generator it is silent, takes no time to set up and provides power anyplace the vehicle is located. We have tested the system for over 2 years on everything from large SUVs to small cars with excellent success on all.

With 300 million vehicles on the roads of America and a Billion on the roads of the world this simple technology could radically reduce our reliance on fossil fuel generated electricity. The article indicated that 2 to 3% of the fuel used by the military is consumed for electricity. I believe if widely distributed PowerStations could save a considerable amount of this fuel.

The problem is how do we get to the right people in the military bureaucracy to get an audience for this technology? I would love to set up an assembly/R&D/installation training center back home in the US.

[ChillUpMyLeg]

Good article and well-researched. Who would have thought that paint added so much weight to an aircraft - but it makes sense. Good to see green innovation at work saving tax dollars and the environment.

[ToxicAdam]

If the Dems were smart, they would use the Armed Forces as the incubator for all their energy efficiency ideas and inventions. Republicans would never turn it down and it would keep the money in our nation.

But, guys like Reid will never allow it to happen because he is in the pocket of alternative energy businesses that are chomping on the bit to get federal money. Just you watch.