Pentagon Turns To New Energy To Cut Costs

Pentagon looks to reduce $4 billion energy bill

Rebecca Kheel, April 25, 2016 (The Hill)

“An average soldier on the battlefield in 2009 carried about 14 pounds of batteries to power radios, GPS, night vision systems and other electronics…These days, that’s closer to 9 pounds…[Though politicians continue polarizing debates about New Energy, it is a key to reducing the weight soldiers carry in batteries. The Pentagon’s programs are aimed at the climate change threat, but] officials say their efforts are more focused on reducing costs and improving capabilities…[A]fter fuel convoys in Iraq and Afghanistan were attacked…the military changed out some generators to be more energy-efficient, started using microgrids to net generators together and installed solar panels…Another major change is that dismounted soldiers now use rechargeable batteries [that can be recharged with solar blankets or any energy source they find in the field, such as discarded car batteries] instead of disposable AA batteries…[that leave] a trail for the enemy to follow…” click here for more

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