By Eric Lindeman

Coinciding with an independent report recommending a strong energy efficiency and renewable energy partnership between the departments of Defense and Energy, DoD and DoE signed a memorandum of understanding last week with the goal of accelerating clean energy innovation and enhancing national energy security.

The MoU was issued just as non-profit research organization CNA released a report by its Military Advisory Board (MAB), “Powering America’s Economy: Energy Innovation at the Crossroads of National Security.”

The new report came from the 15 top-ranking admirals and generals who comprise the MAB and stressed that DoE, with its vast energy research and development capabilities, and DoD, with its deep pockets and capacity to demonstrate and deploy new technologies, should establish a close energy partnership–one that could bring in private sector developers and spread throughout the entire national economy.

In a July 27 announcement, DoE said, “Both agencies are committed to reducing U.S. vulnerabilities through improved efficiencies, reduced fossil fuel use, and on-site renewable power generation.”

The MoU was signed by Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman and Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn and covers energy efficiency and renewable energy as well as collaboration on fossil fuels, alternative fuels, efficient transportation technologies and fueling infrastructure, grid security, smart grid, storage, waste-to-energy, basic science research, and mobile-deployable power. The agreement, they said, builds on existing cooperation between DoE and DoD and will broaden collaboration on clean energy technology research, development, and demonstration.

DoD said its goal is to speed innovative energy and conservation technologies from laboratories to military end users. It is using military installations as test beds for creating a market for innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

“Energy security for the DoD means having assured access to reliable supplies of energy and the ability to protect and deliver sufficient energy to meet operational and installation energy needs,” according to the MoU.

“Energy efficiency can serve as a force multiplier, increasing the range and endurance of forces in the field while reducing the number of combat forces diverted to protect energy supply lines, as well as reducing long-term energy costs. DoD is also increasing its use of renewable energy supplies and reducing energy demand to improve energy security and operational effectiveness, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in support of U.S. climate change initiatives, and protect the DoD from energy price fluctuations. Solving military challenges through innovation has the potential to yield spin-off technologies that benefit the civilian community as well.

“The DoE is the lead federal agency responsible for the development and deployment of advanced energy technologies, yet DoD will need to invest in many of these same enegy technologies as well as other energy technologies, which may be unique to DoD’s operational requirements.

“Partnering with DoD provides DoE the opportunity to accelerate the deployment of its technologies and expertise toward the critical economic and energy security needs of the United States and to promote scientific and tecnological innovation.”