Reducing DoD Fossil-Fuel Dependence

In light of an increasing U.S. dependence on foreign oil, as well as rising fuel costs for the U.S. and the DoD, and implications with regard to national security and national defense, the JASONs were charged in 2006 by the DDR&E with assessing pathways to reduce DoD's dependence on fossil fuels. The study charge included the following tasks: A. Explore technology options to reduce the DoD dependence on fossil fuels and/or increase energy efficiency of our operating forces. This assessment will include an assessment of alternative fuels and energy sources at DoD-required energy densities, e.g., exotic alternate fuels, biomass/cellulosic biofuels, hydrogen, shale oil, oil sands, geothermal, etc., and an assessment of the potential of structural shaping, structural mechanical design, and novel materials application in enhancing the survivability of lightweight vehicles. B. Assess the viability of technologies to provide at least the performance required of current DoD platforms and effort to integrate the technology and achieve the desired level of performance. In particular, alternate fuels and energy sources are to be assessed in terms of multiple parameters, to include (but not limited to) stability, high & low temperature properties, water affinity, storage & handling. C. Assess blast and penetration resistance in lightweight vehicles. D. Analyze structures and materials designs that could be adapted for use on combat and utility vehicles, or other DoD platforms. E. In addition, JASON was asked to defer detailed analyses of USAF energy/fuel use.