Oct 30 2010
The current trend for both individuals and organizations is to go green with usage of hybrid vehicles, solar panels, eco-friendly building resources, and fluorescent lighting equipment. The US Navy is also following the green path by fuelling a 49 foot RCB-X (Riverine Command Boat), by a blend of algae-based biofuel and NATOF-76 fuel.
This was to step up the usage of alternative fuels. According to Rear Admiral Philip Cullom, the Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division’s Director, going green is also going to facilitate the Navy’s mobility and combat capability. It would fortify and reinforce both natural and national security. Petroleum need not dominate the industry, if other suitable and dependable sources of energy are available.
The cost of the fuel used in this experimental run is extremely high. It was mentioned in the Marine Corps Times Reports that the Navy purchased 20,055 gallons of biodiesel at a rate of $424 per gallon. The Navy currently utilizes 80,000 oil barrels on a daily basis, and has plans of halving the number of barrels of oil used within the next 10 years by focusing on nuclear power and biofuels.
Cullom also stated that conserving energy serves a dual purpose: protecting precious resources and extension of the strategic and premeditated range of the forces. The Navy is well known for its goal of utilizing innovative technologies for enhancing national security.
Source: http://www.navy.mil/