Fresh Reminders of Why We Work on Energy: Afghan Fuel Convoy Destroyed and Increasing US Blackouts

There's not much to say here, except that the world keeps reminding us why this work is well worth doing, even when maddeningly frustrating bureaucracy and other setbacks threaten to dampen our fire.

Fresh news that more fuel trucks have been blown up on their way to resupply our troops in Afghanistan, as well as a new forecast that shows blackouts and brownouts are coming more frequently and lasting longer and that it's likely to get worse.

For those of you who've been in the energy fight for a while now, remember THIS? The Ur document ... the mighty conceptual foundation which marked the start of many of today's efforts.

2008's recapitulation of 2001's Defense Science Board report on energy identified two primary energy risks to DOD, as well as a trio of recommendations, and marked a sea change in how we think about military energy.

From a Powerpoint version of this material, here are the Key Findings:

Two primary energy risks to DoD:

1. Unnecessarily high and growing operational fuel demand increases mission risk

2. Critical missions at fixed installations are at unacceptable risk from extended power loss

Also:

• DoD lacks the strategy, policies, metrics, information, and governance structure necessary to properly manage its energy risks
• There are technologies available now to make DoD systems more energy efficient, but they are undervalued, slowing their implementation and resulting in inadequate S&T investments
• There are many opportunities to reduce energy demand by changing wasteful operational practices and procedures

Alright? So don't forget what's at stake. Even when important conferences are cancelled. And Green Fleets run aground. And alternative fuels are axed. The challenges remain and won't fix themselves. And the Commanders and troops need our help. And the country needs energy security. So stay with it! Andy