The U.S. military is undertaking a massive shift away from petroleum and other fossil fuels, and into a new clean energy future that relies on solar power, geothermal power, and other sustainable sources. Much of the activity is focused on large installations at military bases, such as a new solar array at Pearl Harbor and new geothermal facilities at Fort Drum. However, some of the most interesting stuff is portable solar power, designed for the high-mobility, energy-scavenging fighting force of the future. It can’t come a moment to soon, as witnessed by the logistical nightmare of trucking in conventional fuel to troops in Afghanistan. Here are five new portable solar technologies to look out for:
(Soldier by U.S. Army on flickr.com)
Tina Casey specializes in military and corporate sustainability, advanced technology, emerging materials, biofuels, and water and wastewater issues. Tina’s articles are reposted frequently on Reuters, Scientific American, and many other sites. You can also follow her on Twitter @TinaMCasey and Google+.
