The US Department of the Navy and Purdue University have partnered, aiming to transfer around half of the Navy and Marine Corps’ energy usage to alternative sources such as biofuels by 2020.
The collaboration will study efforts aimed at improving energy conservation, renewable-energy generation and the implementation of energy efficient technologies in all applications.
US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said that the department and Purdue have a deep interest in working together to reduce reliance on carbon-based fuels and energy sources.
"Not only does this help decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, it makes our Navy and Marine Corps a better warfighting force," Mabus said.
"With a consolidated Navy and Marine Corps effort, we will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, reduce our tactical and strategic vulnerabilities, increase our combat capability, and make the Department of the Navy a government leader in energy reform."
Purdue president Mitch Daniels said that the deal will promote more efficient production and refine advanced biofuels.
"We also will pursue agricultural and other biobased feedstocks that will ensure the most economically viable production of advanced alternative fuels," Daniels added.
As part of the deal, Purdue will also set up the Purdue Military Research Initiative to offer free graduate education for around 10 active-duty officers across all divisions of the US military on renewable energy, alternative fuels and energy technologies.
Image: The US Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus (right) and Purdue president Mitch Daniels (left) during the signing of a statement of cooperation. Photo: courtesy of Purdue University.
