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The energy sector has become one of the most attractive targets for cyber attackers, as highlighted in the latest government reports. Hackers now focus on the energy sector more than any other part of the U.S. critical infrastructure. This sector is not only critical for the economy but also a prime target for sabotage by adversaries. The starting point in serious cyber warfare could be disabling power stations, which supply electricity to data centers managing core network routing. Without electricity from civilian power plants, even the most advanced military could be rendered powerless. Military is also giving thrust to renewable energy to significantly improve national security.
The traditional reliance on diesel-powered generators has long been a cornerstone of military energy supply, especially in remote or hostile environments. In response to these threats, the military is increasingly turning to renewable energy sources to enhance national security. However, transitioning to total green energy reliance is challenging due to the intermittent nature of many carbon-neutral energy sources like solar and wind power. These sources offer low power density and unreliable operation, making them less suitable for high continuous or pulsed power loads. Fuel cells, though more reliable, still fall short as a direct form of power genertion.
Energy Storage: The Key to Resilient Energy Infrastructure
A possible solution is to build energy storage facilities that can charge up while excess energy is being generated, then discharge when demand overtakes supply. Battery-based grid-storage facilities using a range of battery types have already been built for this reason, but there is still a need to develop an economical, safe, and long-term solution.
Military operations often take place in environments where energy supply chains are vulnerable to disruption. Whether in remote forward operating bases (FOBs) or in highly contested areas, the ability to secure a reliable power source can be the difference between mission success and failure. Diesel generators, while reliable, come with significant drawbacks. They require a continuous supply of fuel, which must be transported over potentially dangerous routes, exposing supply convoys to attack and increasing operational costs. Furthermore, generators are prone to mechanical failures, adding another layer of vulnerability.
A potential solution lies in energy storage facilities that can charge during periods of excess energy generation and discharge when demand exceeds supply. Battery-based grid storage facilities, employing various battery types, have been developed for this purpose. Yet, there is an ongoing need for an economical, safe, and long-term solution. In response to these challenges, militaries are increasingly investing in advanced energy storage systems that can provide reliable power without the constant need for fuel resupply. These systems not only reduce logistical burdens but also contribute to a more sustainable and resilient energy strategy.
The growing demand for reliable, sustainable, and secure energy solutions is driving a significant shift toward advanced energy storage technologies. This shift is not only about reducing dependence on fossil fuels but also about enhancing operational efficiency, reducing logistical vulnerabilities, and ensuring energy availability in the most challenging conditions. In an era where energy security is increasingly intertwined with national security, militaries worldwide are recognizing the critical need for more resilient energy storage infrastructures.
Military Energy Storage System Requirements
Military energy storage systems are crucial for enhancing national security by protecting vital infrastructure, including the electricity grid, transportation networks, and defense systems. Unlike commercial storage solutions, those designed for military use must provide reliable, high-energy performance under extreme conditions, such as harsh environments and battlefield scenarios.
Research and development efforts in this area are focused on several key objectives. These include increasing the energy density of batteries to make them more compact and efficient, which is essential for meeting the military’s rigorous demands. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on developing technologies to bolster the resilience of the national energy grid, reducing vulnerabilities to natural disasters and cyber-attacks. Improving battery technologies for renewable energy systems is also a priority, particularly for use in robust, unattended monitoring systems that support nuclear nonproliferation safeguards.
One significant advancement in military energy storage has been the development of new electrolyte formulations that enhance the energy density of satellite energy storage systems. Another key innovation is the creation of specialized cathode materials for fuel cells used in electric vehicles, which have broader applications in national security.
Despite these advancements, many military bases remain exposed to the risk of long-term electrical power interruptions, underscoring the need for continued innovation and deployment of resilient energy storage solutions in national defense
Benefits of Resilient Energy Storage for Military Operations
- Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Advanced energy storage systems enable military operations to continue uninterrupted, even in the face of supply chain disruptions or generator failures. The ability to store energy and deploy it when needed ensures that critical systems remain online, supporting everything from communications to surveillance and weapons systems.
- Reduced Logistical Vulnerabilities: By decreasing the reliance on fuel resupply missions, resilient energy storage systems reduce the logistical burden on military operations. This, in turn, lowers the risk to personnel involved in fuel transport and decreases the operational costs associated with fuel delivery.
- Increased Sustainability: Integrating renewable energy sources with advanced storage systems contributes to a more sustainable energy strategy. This not only aligns with broader environmental goals but also reduces the military’s carbon footprint, a growing concern as climate change becomes an increasingly important factor in global security.
- Improved Energy Security: Resilient energy storage infrastructure enhances energy security by providing a reliable and self-sufficient power source. This is particularly important in contested environments where access to traditional fuel supplies may be compromised.
Advanced Energy Storage Technologies
Several energy storage technologies are emerging as key components of military energy strategies:
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Battery storage systems are becoming a cornerstone of military energy resilience. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, are favored for their high energy density, efficiency, and reliability. These systems can be integrated with renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, to create a hybrid power solution that reduces dependence on diesel generators. The ability to store energy during low-demand periods and discharge it when needed provides a critical buffer against power outages and supply disruptions.
- Solid-State Batteries: Solid-state batteries are gaining attention for their potential to offer even greater energy density and safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Their solid electrolytes eliminate the risk of leakage and fire, making them particularly suitable for military applications where safety and reliability are paramount.
- Flow Batteries: Flow batteries, which store energy in liquid electrolytes contained in external tanks, offer scalable and long-duration storage solutions. These batteries are especially useful for large-scale energy storage needs and can provide power for extended periods, making them ideal for military bases that require sustained energy over long durations.
- Hybrid Energy Systems: Combining battery storage with renewable energy sources and traditional generators can create hybrid systems that offer greater resilience. For example, a solar-powered base equipped with a battery storage system can reduce the reliance on diesel generators, using them only as a backup during prolonged periods of low sunlight. This approach not only cuts fuel consumption but also reduces the noise and heat signatures associated with diesel generators, enhancing the stealth capabilities of military operations.
Military Initiatives in Renewable Energy and Storage
The U.S. military is already making significant strides toward energy independence. Congress has mandated that military facilities derive 25% of their energy from renewable sources by 2025. To achieve this, the Department of Defense aims to generate 3 gigawatts of renewable power annually by 2025—a substantial increase given that a nuclear power plant operating at peak capacity produces about 1 gigawatt.
Ryan O’Keefe, senior vice president of business development at Ideal Power, a power conversion systems manufacturer, highlighted the military’s keen interest in energy storage technologies. These technologies are seen as essential for reducing costs and risks while enabling troops to operate more independently on the battlefield. O’Keefe explained that the military recognized early on that their bases, both domestic and abroad, are vulnerable to disruptions in the electric grid. As a result, the military is actively planning how to enhance the resilience of their operations.
Ideal Power has partnered with EnerDel, a lithium-ion battery manufacturer and energy systems integrator, to develop a mobile hybrid solar-plus-battery system for the U.S. Air Force. This system, mounted on a military-grade trailer and towable by a Humvee, is designed to reduce the reliance on diesel fuel for powering forward operating bases (FOBs). The project aligns with the U.S. Air Force’s Energy Strategic Plan, which aims to improve the resilience of FOBs and decrease dependence on diesel-powered generators. O’Keefe emphasized the project’s goal to minimize and eventually eliminate the need for trucking diesel fuel into frontlines or hostile territories, where logistics costs—and potential risks to service members—are significant.
The EnerDel and Ideal Power battery system has the potential to cut diesel fuel consumption by about 75 percent, which is especially crucial in warzones where transporting fuel is both costly and dangerous. Additionally, the battery system offers the advantage of producing a true grid-quality waveform, making it suitable for powering sensitive electronics without causing power or voltage spikes. Another benefit is the reduced noise compared to diesel generators, making battery systems far less conspicuous behind enemy lines. O’Keefe pointed out that “there’s nothing noisier behind enemy lines than a diesel generator running,” underscoring the strategic importance of quieter, more efficient energy solutions.
Microgrid energy storage is another area of focus.
Primus Power, a leading provider of grid-level energy storage solutions, has been awarded a contract to develop an advanced energy storage system for the United States Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) in Miramar, California. This system will be integrated into a microgrid, a localized grid that includes energy generation, distribution, and consumption, capable of operating both in connection with the larger grid and independently. Microgrids are particularly valuable for military bases due to their resilience against major grid failures, whether caused by natural disasters, human error, or sabotage. Their ability to function autonomously makes them an ideal solution for maintaining energy security in critical operations.
The microgrid at MCAS features a 230kW photovoltaic array paired with Primus Power’s EnergyPodTM, a state-of-the-art storage unit capable of holding up to 1MWh of electricity. The EnergyPod employs zinc-flow battery technology, which offers significant advantages over traditional battery systems. Zinc-flow batteries boast a higher energy density than lead-acid batteries and allow for 100% depth of discharge without compromising battery longevity—a common issue with many other battery types, where deep discharges can significantly reduce lifespan. Primus Power asserts that their zinc-flow batteries are designed to last 20 years, regardless of how deeply they are discharged, making them a reliable and durable option for long-term energy storage needs.
Beyond military applications, microgrids equipped with energy storage solutions like those provided by Primus Power have the potential to revolutionize energy resilience in communities with distributed power generation from renewable sources such as solar and wind. The vulnerabilities of the traditional grid were starkly revealed during natural disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, where widespread outages left millions without power. As the energy grid evolves into a smarter, more interconnected system, the concept of a “meta-grid”—a network of interconnected microgrids—emerges. In such a system, when disaster strikes, community microgrids could continue operating independently, significantly reducing the number of people left without power in the aftermath. This vision underscores the critical role that microgrid energy storage will play in building a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Advanced Energy Storage for Naval Applications
The UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and the U.S. Navy are testing the Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS), designed to provide high-power electrical pulses for advanced Royal Navy ships. Drawing on advanced Le Mans motor-sport technologies, FESS utilizes high-speed, lightweight flywheels to deliver powerful electrical pulses. This system is designed to support the Royal Navy’s future systems, including the Dragonfire Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW), by reducing the strain on the ship’s overall power system and addressing safety concerns associated with traditional battery-based energy storage. Unlike battery-based systems, FESS eliminates safety concerns and offers a robust, future-proof power system for naval ships.
U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is also contributing to the future of military energy storage.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has received nearly $2.8 million in funding from the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to advance a new low-cost thermal energy storage system. This innovative system includes a high-temperature charging device, affordable thermal energy storage modules, a high-performance heat exchanger, and a closed-loop Brayton cycle turbine.
Principal Investigator Zhiwen Ma explains that the system will operate by using electric heaters to charge the storage modules with inexpensive solid particles, heating them to over 1,100 degrees Celsius when electricity prices are low. During discharge, these hot particles will transfer their heat to a working fluid via the heat exchanger, which then drives a high-efficiency closed-Brayton cycle turbine connected to an electric generator. The design emphasizes scalability, with a 55-GWh thermal storage system capable of powering 50,000 homes for 100 hours during an outage. This scalability aims to support energy storage goals, enhance grid resilience, and boost domestic energy sources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as the energy sector remains a prime target for cyber-attacks, the need for resilient energy storage infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. For the military, the push towards renewable energy and advanced storage systems is not just about cost savings but about ensuring national security and operational independence in the face of evolving threats.
As global security challenges evolve, so too must the energy strategies that underpin military operations. The shift from diesel-powered generators to advanced energy storage systems represents a significant step towards enhancing military resilience, reducing logistical vulnerabilities, and ensuring energy security in the most demanding environments. By investing in cutting-edge storage technologies and integrating them with renewable energy sources, militaries are not only future-proofing their operations but also paving the way for a more sustainable and secure energy future.
References and Resources also include:
http://energystoragereport.info/military-interest-energy-storage-remains-strong/
