Military Microgrids: Battlefields with Sustainable Energy – GWC Mag

Everything needs to adapt as sustainable technology advances. The military is no different. The six service branches are looking for ways to utilize green energy to the country’s benefit. Microgrids are one tool helping the military fight climate change and battles simultaneously. Learn more about how microgrids are revolutionizing battlefields on land and in the atmosphere.

What Are Military Microgrids?

Military microgrids are independent, sustainable energy systems that power bases. If local or national power grids fail, microgrids can keep military bases running to ensure the country has offensive and defensive resources.

Microgrids can consist of solar panels or any other green energy source. As long as the grid functions separately from local power plants, the military will use the electricity in times of need.

Why Is the Military Turning to Microgrids to Fight Global Threats and Global Warming?

There are numerous reasons why the military is using microgrids to fight global warming and worldwide threats. First, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) released a policy in 2023 stating that every base should be power-resilient to better protect and support the nation’s armed forces. The announcement came after the White House declared that military bases would be carbon neutral by 2050 at the latest.

 

The independent energy means military forces won’t halt operations in times of crisis. Given that grid attacks have rocketed 71% from 2021 to 2022, the likelihood of domestic or foreign terrorists cutting off U.S. electricity supplies is likely. It’s smarter to get ahead of potential attacks with independent energy microgrids.

3 Ways They Support Battles

Climate change isn’t the only front for the U.S. military. Microgrids also help the armed forces fight battles on the ground in these ways.

1. They Keep Remote Installations Operational

The DOD publicly recognized 43 remote or isolated installationsaround the world. The U.S. base workers need essential services like childcare centers, health care offices and extra housing. Servicemembers may not have these options located at their specific remote locations, making installations nearby crucial to their well-being.

 

Services improving their quality of life also keep base workers happy so they stay in the armed forces longer. If their bases have installations that care for their family members’ needs, it improves their family relationships and fosters greater career contentment.

 

Establishing electricity for these purposes is more challenging when bases exist far from city power grids. Microgrids make these installations possible without sacrificing the electricity necessary for military operations.

2. They Help Servicemembers Train in More Locations

Every newly enlisted servicemember must undergo basic training before moving on to their job postings. The U.S. military trains soldiers in five nationwide locations that rely on electricity. Microgrids powering these locations would make the training more eco-friendly and potentially open pathways for more remote training in undisclosed areas of the U.S.

 

As microgrids become more widespread, the military must also take precautions to protect those working on or near them. The technology can create electromagnetic field emissions that impact people physiologically and interfere with implanted medical devices. Safety training reduces risk exposure by teaching servicemembers how to gain distance with roping while installing the grids and the importance of wearing protective equipment to prevent adverse physiological effects.

3. They Conserve Oil for Other Purposes

The U.S. Army planned to create electric vehicles and completely replace those that run on oil. Unfortunately, the battery sector doesn’t have the technology yet to power the largest and most powerful military vehicles. Instead, operational trucks, tanks and other vehicle models use 500,000 gallons of oil daily to keep a single armored division operational.

The country doesn’t need to buy as much oil if military bases run on independent, sustainable energy. Instead, it can streamline the limited, necessary oil purchases for military equipment that doesn’t yet have a sustainable alternative, like vehicles.