Energy efficiency “can save lives,” says NATO
Roll-up solar panels, wind power, smart grids and advanced insulation are among the methods touted by NATO as able to “help improve the mobility, as well as the resilience and endurance of military forces,” with new clean energy innovations hoped to prevent the deaths of troops transporting fuel to power military bases, with the figure standing at an estimated 3,000 between 2003 and 2007 in Iraq and Afghanistan.
NATO carried out trial combat operations using low-carbon innovations in June last year, including micro grids to improve a camp’s energy management, low-energy technologies for water purification, LED lights and small portable fuel cells, while the organisation cite the impacts of climate change on international security as a major reason for its boost in investment for renewables.
“Climate change affects not only the natural environment but the security environment as well. NATO is working to improve the energy efficiency of its forces and increase the use of renewable energy in the military,” NATO states in its report.
NATO carried out a series of energy initiatives and programmes in 2015, including conducting its first Energy Security Strategic Awareness Course, producing a study on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure challenges from its Energy Security Centre of Excellence and discussing global energy developments and their security implications during its annual Energy Security Roundtable.
“NATO is working to improve the energy efficiency of its forces and increase the use of renewable energy in the military… Smart energy solutions can not only save money when less fuel is used, but can also save soldiers' lives,” states the report.
“Innovations like roll-up solar panels not only reduce the carbon footprint of military activities but also reduce the risk to human life that often comes with transporting fuel in dangerous areas.”
