Could solar power help the military?

Using solar power could give the U.S. military some advantages – and more security. Diane Durden/U.S. Marine Corps As the U.S. military increases its use of drones in surveillance and combat overseas, the danger posed by a threat back at home grows.

Can military use geothermal energy to power a military base?

Geothermal energy is a particularly promising solution for the military — virtually every base in the country is on top of subterranean resources they could use for heating and cooling, and many could use it for power. But it’s only one of several types of clean energy the Defense Department is exploring or building out.

Could solar power improve national security?

A new study by a team I led reveals the three ways American military bases’ electrical power sources are threatened, and shows how the U.S. military could take advantage of solar power to significantly improve national security. The first threat to the electricity grid comes from nature.

How much will solar power save the military?

This is an enormous need for solar capacity: Only in 2015, after years of effort and investment, did the U.S. as a whole reach 20 GW of solar-generating capacity. And while our study found that the work will cost around $42 billion, it will save as much as $2 billion a year in electricity bills the military now pays to civilian suppliers.

How much solar power do military bases need?

Most military bases remain unprotected against long-term interruption of electrical power. In our study, we found that the 3 GW goal by 2025 is far short of the real need: About 17 GW of solar-generating capacity would be enough to fortify the U.S. military domestically.

Should US military bases have a solar-powered microgrid?

US military bases usually get their electricity from the civilian grid, which is vulnerable to attack and to disaster. Solar-powered microgrids could protect national security, and would save money.