Sea Worthy Innovation

USS Wabash Steam Engine System

I enjoy seeing well-formed statements that support a vision. The following one has been coming into frequent use as communicated by the Secretary of the Navy to show how biofuels are a natural extension of energy innovation that has been a normal practice by the Navy for centuries. "The Navy has been at the forefront of energy innovation throughout its history," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "From sail to coal-fired steam to oil and nuclear powered submarines and carriers, we have sought and achieved technological advancement in how we power the fleet because it has made us better warfighters. The Great Green Fleet demonstration is a significant milestone in the Navy's progress to greater energy security."

An earlier blog listed a number of Web posts about the debate on biofuel use by the military. Another post came up today on CleanTechnica site (click here). The stream of stories are staying consistent - for both those positive about military development of biofuels, as well as those opposed. The statement above builds on earlier commitments since the initial press release, early reports in 2011, and later ones -  all leading up to a recent press release that follows through and reaffirms the initial commitment. A fulfillment of a painted vision for wide-use of biofuels by the military is progressing - not only working towards reality for the Navy, but also with some big names in the aviation industry committing to similar actions. The recent formation of the Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuel Initiative and its roll-out a week ago in Chicago is another indicator that biofuels are serious. A series of commercial aviation biofuel links can also be found with the article posted here.