The Eurodefense network and the Federation of European Defence Technology Associations (EDTA) have recommended 13 innovations for sustainable energy use by the armed forces to the European Commission.

27 February 2023

Thinking about the form and amount of energy we use as a society is becoming increasingly important. Also in Defence. Naturally, this is based on the objectives for sustainability, but geo-political considerations also play a role. Especially since the events of the past year. Technologically, the requirements for military equipment and its long service life make this issue extra difficult.

That is why our umbrella organisations Federation of European Defence Technology Associations (EDTA) and the Eurodefense network with members in 15 European countries have drawn up an advisory report on a sustainable future of energy supply for military systems. This report 'Recommendations on Energy, Security and Defence' was presented to the presidents of the European Commission, European Council and European Parliament in February 2023.

The technological aspects of the report were largely drafted by the KIVI Defence and Security Department. The main recommendations are:

  • Small unmanned systems such as drones and other Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) need less armour, space and equipment for crew. This means they consume much less energy. Indeed, they could possibly replace many traditional systems altogether.
  • Modular design of systems allows new sustainable technology to be incorporated as soon as it becomes available. Making civilian renewable technology usable for military systems in the process does often require modifications.
  • Nuclear power is a source of clean, reliable and controllable heat and electricity. Deploying this for military applications requires the development of micro-reactors the size of a standard shipping container. These could then be used on medium-sized ships and on bases in deployment zones. The US is already working on this. If Europe pursues strategic independence, so should the European Union.
  • Fossil technology, which for the time being cannot be ignored in military systems, needs to be greatly improved. After all, many current military systems will remain operational well beyond 2050 and are difficult to convert for the use of other energy carriers. Improvements include the use of synthetic fuels. With micro nuclear reactors, these can also be produced locally. For example, in mission areas.
  • We also need to find new ways to power military vehicles or vessels. After all, charging stations are not available everywhere. A hybrid combination of a methanol fuel cell, a battery and a methanol engine or generator could provide a usable electric vehicle with endurance that can be quickly recharged or filled. All the necessary technology already exists; it is mainly a matter of integration to make it suitable for military applications.
  • A new renewable energy carrier for propulsion of smaller naval vessels could be ammonia. Some development is still needed but it seems a suitable option.
  • The other seven recommendations can be found on the EDTA website via the link below.

Some recommendations can be taken up immediately and implemented nationally. Others require a lot of research, innovation and development and are also very costly to implement. Therefore, the European Commission has been advised to make budget available for these from the European Defence Fund.

In addition, Eurodefense made recommendations on geopolitical implications of the energy transition and European energy policy. For the substantiation of the recommendations, read the full (English) report with executive summary and annexes at https://news.fedta.eu/2023/02/sustainable-energy-for-defence.html

KIVI Department of Defence and Security

Disclaimer: A KIVIsie is a fact-based opinion on a topical issue in the technology sector. This KIVIsie was prepared by the department(s) named therein in collaboration with the Council for Science, Technology and Society (RWTM). The facts and opinions given have been arrived at independently and are based on open sources. This is not an official position of KIVI. The association accepts no liability for anything expressed in this KIVIsie.

Photo: Prototype E-Fennek, Ministry of Defence, Sergeant Major Cristian Schrik