Department of defense of America is the largest single global consumer of oil, and its military operations are the main source of demand for all forms of energy. In addition, bases, located in the United States and abroad depend on Aging transmission systems likely to cyber-terrorism and extreme weather events.
So, what will happen if U.S. Army moved the efforts of power on long distances and insecurity to the establishment of a network of independent grids that integrate distributed renewable generation, electric vehiclesand demand at its bases?
The answer, according to a new report by Pike Research, is total capacity of 54.8 MW on all global installations of 2018 - in a medium growth scenario - and perhaps the greatest market forces driving global microgrid world market.
Change of large fixed bases in the theatre of forward operating bases and mobile tactical operations to the autonomy and the distributed generation a good idea both for pure financial costs and global security.
The US military operations in Afghanistan have paid the equivalent of $400 per gallon of fuel, when all costs (security, transportation and mortality) are added to the equation, and the power generation is the largest single battlefield fuel consumer.
Enter grids. They are an ideal option for the military - they integrate renewable energy sources such as small scale wind and solar energy, reduce fuel consumption by setting up a network of generators as a system to improve efficiency and allow individual bases remain operational lines even if supply or transmission is cut off.
"Analysis has led the DOD to the inevitable conclusion that the best way to strengthen its capacity to be able to sure maybe using microarray technology it can have and control... in addition, recent mandates require an increase based on renewable energy developed on the spot" (Pike Research Summary)
Many bases have of "vintage" microarrays based on fossil fuels, but a new policy direction on the integration of distributed renewable energy (RDEG) takes shape through all branches of the armed forces. Theoretically, these RDEG grids create security ultimate wind without end and solar electricity.
Analysis of Pike identified more than 40 American military facilities RDEG microarrays in operation, planned to study or demonstration. In addition, up to 600 forward operating bases of countless tactical units could integrate the microgrid systems. While the Marines show more rapid growth of the initial capacity, the army has the greatest potential in the long term due to its greater number of fixed bases.
Future of US Army microarray shows once more the mere fact that the renewable energy sources and distributed generation are not just an illusion of hippie. They are real solutions to our greatest challenges energy is pursued by the only entity responsible for creating the possible America stronger. It looks like a validation for me.
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