WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between itself and the U.S. Department of Defense to help accelerate energy efficiency and renewable energy innovation and enhance national energy security. Both agencies committed to reducing U.S. vulnerability through improved efficiency, reduced fossil fuel use, and on-site renewable power generation.

The MOU, signed by Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman and Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn, covers energy efficiency, renewable energy, water efficiency, fossil fuels, alternative fuels, grid security, smart grid, storage, waste-to-energy, mobile/deployable power, small modular reactor nuclear energy, and other related areas. The MOU builds on existing cooperation between DOE and the Defense Department, and will broaden collaboration on energy technology research, development, and demonstration.

The Defense Department aims to speed innovative energy and conservation technologies from laboratories to military end users. To that end, it uses military installations as a test bed for creating a market for innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Partnering with the Defense Department gives DOE the chance to speed deployment of its technologies and expertise, and to promote scientific and technological innovation.

Publication date: 08/16/2010