RSS

Positive Military Side Effects: More Energy for Developing Countries

Roy H. Adams III et al. | Joint Force Quarterly | May 2010

A rather unexpected side effect of the military’s efforts to rely to a greater extent on green technologies is evident in the context of developing countries: It can lead to significant improvements in the energy situation on the ground. By contributing to energy security locally, the military is in a unique position to improve the image of the United States and the West in its host countries. After all, energy poverty constitutes one of the greatest hurdles to economic development in many low-income developing countries in which the US military is active due to security concerns. Increased reliance on renewables in the military theatre was originally intended primarily to reduce casualties. Supply lines to outposts in need of fossil fuels have always been extremely vulnerable to enemy attack. However, in the context of the deployment of clean technologies, commanders on the ground are afforded the opportunity to win over the local population. Even though the establishment of autonomous energy supplies serves primarily military objectives, military partnerships in the host country can introduce these technologies to energy-starved local communities. Tactical solar PV systems, which are relatively easy to handle, as well as biomass-conversion technologies that contribute to environmental protection are especially well suited to this purpose. The USAID project in the Nigerian state Jigawa might serve as an inspiration to such undertakings targeted at rebuilding war-torn countries. Such projects would constitute a significant contribution to international security. Their potential is enormous, considering the ensuing reduction of poor African countries’ dependence on expensive, traditional fossil fuel energy sources. Moreover, in the context of military missions following natural disasters such as the Haiti earthquake, the military making autonomous, renewable energy supplies available to the population would greatly improve its popularity with locals and hence the effectiveness of its operations. It is high time that military and political leaders grasp and put to good use the opportunities thus afforded.

This summary was prepared by the Atlantic Community editorial team from "Battlefield Renewable Energy: A Key Joint Force Enabler " published here… by the Joint Force Quarterly.