The dramatic changes in the price and security of oil supply during 2008 have driven a remarkable shift in military assumptions. Traditional dependence on hydrocarbons has risen rapidly on the agenda of military concerns and the effect on front line capability is now in question; however, the adoption of alternative energy technologies and practices into planning and operations remains a significant challenge.

At present, different armed services are pursuing change with different requirements and different areas of focus. Understanding of available technologies varies widely between nations and services, yet the potential for synergy, co-operation between allies and leverage of commercial sector expertise demands an urgent response. The ability to enhance capability, both on the home base and on operations, to lower costs and to increase security present a raft of opportunities for both the military establishment and the private sector.

The first RUSI Alternative Energy and Sustainability conference provided a forum to discuss current initiatives, highlight key technologies and develop professional linkages between planners, operators and suppliers.

Key issues:

• How can reliance on hydrocarbons be addressed in the short term?
• How can the defence community leverage expertise and experience from the civilian energy, automotive and aeronautical sectors?
• To what extent can allied nations co-operate in developing their alternative energy supplies and what are the concomitant challenges?
• What are the risks associated with alternative energy supplies, how can they be mitigated and factored into defence planning assumptions?
• Who is driving change in defence? What could be improved in terms of co-operation between policymakers, scientific and research agencies, the procurement executive and the front-line commands?
• What is the relationship between sustainability and operational capability?

Following on from the conference a series of subject specific workshops on Alternative Energy and sustainability will be run through out 2009. For more information click here.