Earlier this summer, DoD initiated four multi-year programs to improve the energy performance of our forces in the field with $4.3 million in initial 2013 funding. The awards, part of DoD's Operational Energy Capabilities Improvement Fund (OECIF), kick-off efforts to develop new energy efficiency technologies for the combat force, resulting in improved military capabilities.
These FY13 awards support programs to:
- Reduce drag on military aircraft
- Improve the energy efficiency of combat outposts though better planning and operations
- Develop open tactical microgrid standards to speed their adoption throughout the force, and
- Reduce the number, resupply, type, and weight of batteries borne by troops.
These programs will feature consortia or similar organizations in order to involve a wide variety of outside organizations, particularly small businesses and non-traditional defense contractors. Total funding is budgeted at $39.2 million over the life of these four multi-year efforts. As part of the collaboration between DoD and the Department of Energy, DOE's Building Technology Office is also involved in one of these programs.
You can view fact sheets on each of the programs
here.
The Secretary of Defense kicked off OECIF in January 2012 by
announcing that six military programs had won a share of $18.0 million in funds to reduce the energy demand of future expeditionary outposts.
John Jennings is OEPP's Deputy Director for Innovation and manages the Operational Energy Capabilities Improvement Fund (OECIF).