AIR FORCE WILL FLY NEW ENERGY

The U.S. Air Force wants to fly on New Energy. Air Force Assistant Secretary Wm. C. Anderson: "Our goal is to develop a global, drop-in fuel alternative to petroleum…"

They want to develop a renewable synthetic jet fuel and a variety of other fuels and energies. Anderson: "If we're going to use synthetic fuel in our jets, it stands to reason that we will also use it to power ground vehicles, fuel cells and to power our bases…a single battlefield fuel."

This is not going to be a boondoggle with taxpayer dollars. The Air Force intends to use no extra funds to accomplish its New Energy goal. All synthetic fuel plants as well as Air Force wind, solar and biomass plants will be for-profit projects. Anderson: "They are built by commercial operations, run by commercial entities and financed by the private sector investment community…We're looking for projects that can make a profit, that the commercial world wants to do and that makes sense in terms of the environment."

Anderson admits the Air Force is still feeling its way. But the response from the New Energy investment community, as usual, has been aggressive. Anderson: "…so far every idea we've put out to the marketplace has received considerable interest. We don't know how many will be successful, but my guess is some will start generating [income] and we'll see where they takes us."

It will likely fly the Air Force into the 21st century world of New Energy.

The Air Force expects this program to drive market development. (click to enlarge)

Air Force pushing energy alternatives
Gene Rector, February 9, 2008 (Macon Telegraph)

WHO
William C. Anderson, Air Force assistant secretary for installations, environment and logistics;

WHAT
The U.S. Air Force wants to be a “market initiator,” driving energy efficiency, New Energy and renewable fuels development. The Air Force strategy to do this is “Reduce demand, find new, domestically sourced, clean energy and change the Air Force culture for every airman.” This will be done without compromising the Air Force mission: “to fly, fight, win and maintain sovereign options for the nation.”

A wind turbine being installed at Warren Air Force base. (click to enlarge)

WHEN
- August 2007: B-52 bomber certified to fly on a synthetic fuel blend.
- Completed: Ground testing of fighter aircraft after-burner engines.
- Soon: C-17 cargo aircraft certified on the synthetic fuel blend.
- 2011: Every Air Force fleet asset certified on the synthetic fuel blend.

WHERE
Anderson spoke to the Advanced Power Technology Office for Robins Air Force Base near Macon, GA.

Giant solar installation at Nellis Air Force base. (click to enlarge)

WHY
- 10% of all U.S. jet fuel is purchased by the Air Force. It’s move to synthetic fuels can be expected to drive the market.
- The Air Force is also using its market-driving capacity on international airframe and engine manufacturers.
- Further Air Force initiatives: (1) 1.3 megawatt wind farm, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.; (2) Biggest U.S. photovoltaic solar array, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.; (3) Proposed coal-to-liquids project, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.; (4) Two or more southwestern solar projects
- The Air Force wants generate region-appropriate energy on underutilized base lands. Ex: Robins, in Georgia, is likely best used for biomass electricity production.

The C-17 cargo aircraft has flown cross country on synthetic fuel. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
- Assistant Air Force Secretary Anderson: "From the day an airman walks into basic training to the most senior ranks of the Air Force, we want to ensure they make energy considerations in every thing they do…we believe we can do that in a way that reduces demand on energy…and in a way that reduces the environmental impact."
- Anderson, to the Robins officers: "I would expect the base and the community around here will start generating some ideas in a relatively short time…"