Army lab to develop energy-saving technology

A new Army laboratory will develop technology such as fuel cells and hybrid systems for combat vehicles as the Pentagon steps up its push for cleaner and more reliable energy, federal officials announced this morning. The complex near Detroit was opening as the Obama administration prepared to announce a series of initiatives to create a greener U.S. military, which officials say is intended not just to benefit the environment but also to improve fighting capabilities. Among the initiatives is a competition to spur discoveries and a goal of generating enough renewable energy on military bases by 2025 to equal the output of three nuclear plants, according to administration officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment ahead of today’s official announcement. The Pentagon previously has said it intends to meet one-quarter of its energy needs from renewable sources by then. The facility includes eight separate labs where research and testing will be conducted on electrical systems, heating and cooling components, fuel cells, hybrid electric powertrains and advanced batteries. The military uses 90% of the energy consumed by the federal government, which accounts for about 2% of all U.S. energy consumption. Reducing reliance on fossil fuels will make the military more efficient and save lives, officials said, noting that many casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan involve convoys hauling fuel to battle areas. Get the full story from The Associated Press here.