Pentagon Employs Solar Energy in Afghanistan

The Afghanistan War, as in all previous wars, has served as a testing ground for new equipment. This equipment can be lethal (as in weapons, ammunition, and explosives) or it can be non-lethal (as in support equipment like computers, communications, or life support). One area that the Department of Defense (DoD) is making great strides in is solar energy. A primary reason for this is the cost of providing energy in the form of fuel and batteries to the many scattered outposts in Afghanistan that are off the power grid. In addition, any fuel for trucks, generators, etc. that does get into Afghanistan has to be shipped over dangerous land routes (through Pakistan) and to its final destination in Afghanistan.

A recent article provides detailed information on the Pentagon's effort on the solar energy front. For instance, the military accounted for 20% of the solar initiatives for the entire government, DoD is incorporating renewable energy to support operational environments in Afghanistan, the military is reducing its dependence on foreign oil, and some bases in Afghanistan are completely powered by solar.

While the info provided is in depth it also has a political slant - be sure to read the last paragraph!  See "Pentagon Goes on Solar Energy Expedition in Afghanistan", Press Action, March 15, 2012.