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| Commanders in Iraq Urgently Request Renewable Power Options | |
| 2006-08-23 | |
| On July 25, 2006 Al-Anbar commander and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Richard Zilmer submitted an MNF-W priority 1 request pointing to the hazards inherent in American supply lines, and noted that the up to many of the supply convoys on Iraq's roads (up to 70%, by some studies) are carrying fuel. Much of that fuel isn't even for vehicles - it's for diesel generators used to generate power at US bases et. al. In response, the document requests alternative energy solutions to power US forward operating bases... and the US military looks like it will act on the request. DID has covered a number of Pentagon projects to use alternative energy at various installations, but Zilmer's request is believed to be the first formal request from a front-line commander. Not to mention the first formal request that acknowledges the security dimension of alternative energy sources in response to the growth of "systempunkt" terrorism and the non-linear battlefield. This is also an issue of cost, and reports indicate that foresighted CIA venture funding has even produced a front-runner for the coming contracts... The request reportedly calls for 183 renewable energy systems of various power capacities. More than anything else, however, Zilmer's letter is about changing assumptions. Well-known renewable energy advocate Amory Lovins, who advises a Defense Science Board panel on fuel efficiency, was quoted by Defense News as saying that the Pentagon's fuel cost calculations have traditionally been based on wholesale prices, and have not taken into account the actual cost of delivering it to front-line units. Before the Iraq war, "fuel logistics were assumed to be free and uninterruptible." Former CIA director and current energy adviser to the Pentagon and Congress James Woolsey adds this: "If you're talking about getting the gas to an M1A1 tank in Fallujah, the supply lines, the tanker vehicles and their protection could drive the cost up to $100 a gallon or more." Which, interestingly enough, is about the price level that Halliburton subsidiary KBR got into trouble for, when it was responsible for providing fuel to US forces in Iraq.
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| Posted by:lotp |
| #3 Ah, do not post with half eaten apple in one hand. "immeasurable stategic value." sorry. |
| Posted by: john 2006-08-23 12:30 |
| #2 Commercial spinoff from this kind of technology development has a immeasurable strategig development. |
| Posted by: john 2006-08-23 12:29 |
| #1 I've never been anywhere close to Iraq, but my ignorant opinion is that it seems like solar power ought to be a pretty good option there. At least during the daytime. |
| Posted by: WhitecollarRedneck 2006-08-23 12:27 |