D. Robau
National Energy USA,
United States
Keywords: energy security, critical infrastructure, base resilience, waste to energy, microgrid
Summary:
The Department of Defense is the world's largest user of energy. Military planners are interested in diversifying the energy/fuel portfolio to improve resiliency, while also investigating cleaner forms of energy with the ability to meet baseload power demands at installations around the world. Over the last 10 years, the military has deployed and tested various technologies to process waste and generate power. A proven solution that can efficiently process military waste, while also generating clean, renewable energy could dramatically change the way the military handles solid waste. This new paradigm shift would eliminate an environmental liability and create a clean source of renewable power. In addition to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by diverting waste from area landfills, a waste-powered microgrid can substantially reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and create a more sustainable and resilient installation. By leveraging proven technologies, the Department of Defense can achieve energy security and base resilience, while enhancing the quality of the environment. This presentation will provide an overview of waste conversion technologies used by various Services and highlight the military's interest in utilizing waste as a resource to generate power in a microgrid application.