14 DAY TRIAL // For the U.S. military personnel, implementable green technologies are a major asset when it comes to their operations developed in remote areas from Afghanistan.
Apart from the environmental benefit represented by increased air quality, innovative methods are being taken into consideration to save human lives and cut down costs, NPR informs.
Biofuels are considered a cost-effective, clean alternative, much needed at this point in time, since most of the vehicles used are fuel-inefficient and require significant investments.
In order to reduce expenses, The Navy has committed to rely on non-fossil fuels to come up with up to 50% of the overall power needed for its operations over the next decade.
At the same time, to meet part of their sustainability goals, the US troops are already using a series of high-tech gadgets seeking to save energy while successfully completing their mission in Helmand, an Afghan province.
Silvery tent liners are already largely exploited to make air conditioners and heaters more efficient. The newest items introduced and implemented are solar-panel blankets that can be carried around and a shipping container linked to solar panels to provide enough energy for a flat screen and surveillance equipment.
The US Army has recently revealed perhaps one of the most impressive gadgets involving renewables, launched so far by the armed forces. Its Rucksack Enhanced Portable Power System (REPPS) is a battery recharging kit relying on a 62-watt solar panel “blanket” conveniently converted into a backpack. Apparently, the system can recharge batteries in a matter of hours.
Eco-friendly solutions are not only better for the environment; they are also in favor of the servicemen, since renewable-based alternative can replace heavy equipment, like batteries for example.
“If the system works, they don't care. In fact, a Marine will love it if he has to refuel that generator less often. They'll love it. They don't care about the message or anything else; all they want is something that works whenever they need it,” explained Marine Capt. Brandon Newell for NPR.
While innovative green options are still being tested by the U.S. military, a potential positive result would encourage the development of the entire market of renewables.
“It's a signal to investors that there is going to be stability. That is the game changer.The bottom line is there has to be stable policy for them to invest hundreds of millions of dollars,” according to Sean O'Hanlon, president of the American Biofuels Council.
The operations developed by the U.S. military are expected to boost the PV sector and the biofuel industry. After investing in half a million gallons of green fuel, algae-based or made from recycled cooking oil, officials from the Navy plan to prove it is as efficient as traditional fuel during their future exercise in the Pacific Rim.