Both departments are committed to reducing US energy vulnerabilities through improved efficiencies, reduced use of fossil fuel and generation of power from on-site renewable energy facilities.
Under the MoU, DoD will speed energy and conservation technologies from laboratories to military end users, and will use military installations as a test bed for creating a market for renewable energy technologies. Partnering gives DoE the chance to speed deployment of its technologies and expertise, and to promote scientific and technological innovation
“Working together, we can speed the transition to a clean energy economy, while helping protect our troops,” explains Daniel Poneman of DoE.
“Building a new energy future is the right thing to do to strengthen our national security, to promote economic prosperity, and to improve our environment.”
Energy is major issue for military
“It is also the right thing to do for our men and women in uniform,” he adds, because the US military “pays a high price in terms of added cost, risk of life, and lost operational flexibility in order to deliver fuel supplies to our forces in combat."
The MoU was also signed by Poneman’s counterpart in DoD, William Lynn.
It covers renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as collaboration on alternative fuels, smart grid, energy storage, fossil fuels, transportation technologies and fueling infrastructure, grid security, waste-to-energy, basic science research, and mobile/deployable power.
The MoU builds on the existing cooperation between the two departments, and will broaden collaboration on clean and renewable energy technology research, development and demonstration.