Innovative Energy and the Militar

An article that discussed the US military’s search for viable renewable (particularly solar) energy really caught my eye this week. The article explains that many of the companies present are not big name tech or electricity companies, but rather new start-ups that are trying to break into the market by being particularly innovative. Certainly, the money gained from a contract with any branch of the US military could turn many of these small operations into well known, far reaching organizations, even for civilians. However, with military having arguably the best untapped technologies, it makes me think that they could gain total control of distribution, preventing it from being used by other militaries but also society as a whole. We have had many great innovations and experimentations that have started in the military (such as penicillin, the Internet, and atomic energy) and it is very plausible that the solar technology gained by the military will eventually be able to help alleviate the rest of the nation’s energy issues. In any case, even if these technologies are kept and protected by the military, they will still have the potential to help the rest of the nation. As seen in additional articles, much time, money, and human life are consumed by the military due its high energy consumption. . Hopefully, the military’s use of renewable and sustainable energy will benefit the country overall (even if the military’s enemies may at some point suffer at the hands of it). In summary, I think it is beneficially that the U.S. military is looking to further support sustainable and renewable energy, but I hope that this technology may also be used for the greater good rather than for potential harm. Other links of interest: http://money.cnn.com/2011/08/17/technology/military_energy/index.htm?iid=EAL http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2011/technology/1108/gallery.military_energy/?iid=EAL http://money.cnn.com/technology/storysupplement/cost_military_oil_addiction/?iid=EL