Wesley Clark: Solar Energy Makes Soldiers Safer

Feb. 16, 2012
In a Forbes Op-Ed, retired Army General Wesley Clark, made a case for solar energy as a viable alternative to traditional fuel sources in military applications. Clark:Here at home, virtually all military bases including Fort Irwin here in the California ...

In a Forbes Op-Ed, retired Army General Wesley Clark, made a case for solar energy as a viable alternative to traditional fuel sources in military applications.

Clark:

Here at home, virtually all military bases including Fort Irwin here in the California desert are shifting to solar energy in order to develop a more secure, on-site power supply that will increase resiliency and reduce dependence upon imports of fossil fuels from hostile countries.

Clark points out that the Defense Department has played a critical role in the past contributing to new consumer innovations, including the Internet, created by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in 1969.

He continues:

Thanks to support from the Defense Department and the U.S. Department of Energy, solar energy is achieving cost milestones that were unthinkable just a short time ago: a 75%price drop over the last three years.

Clark acknowledges that government subsidized solar industries in China and Europe have hurt U.S. manufacturers but says the increased attention has been "good for the broader industry."

The benefit to the military:

Already companies have designed solar photovoltaic systems that fit into the backpacks of U.S. soldiers for deployment in the battlefield, while thin films can be deployed on containers and rooftops at forward operating bases with considerable effect.

These systems offer a quiet, unobtrusive alternative to dirty and highly visible diesel generators that make targets out of our soldiers in Afghanistan.

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

Decarbonization Navigator: A Toolkit for Organizations

Sept. 28, 2023
The increasing urgency of addressing climate change along with stakeholder pressures are driving the need for organizations to prioritize decarbonization. Discover how to start...

7 Crucial Steps to Improve Your OT Security

Oct. 23, 2023
Enhance OT security in manufacturing and production. Uncover the crucial steps to safeguard your operational technology. Protect against evolving threats and bridge the IT-OT ...

How to Build Zero-Cost On-Site Solar and Storage Projects

Nov. 25, 2023
The Inflation Reduction Act offers tax credits, incentives, and financing that enable no-cost projects. In Enel’s eBook, discover the critical role that incentives play in your...

Why DataOps may be the key to unlocking the full potential of digital transformation

Nov. 3, 2023
Read the 2023 market survey conducted by IndustryWeek

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!