U.S. Navy Successfully Tests Algae Fueled Boat in Move to Lessen Foreign Oil Reliance

Sailors conducting manuvers aboard an experimental riverine command boat powered by alternative fuel of 50 percent algae-based and 50 percent NATO-76 fuel oil. Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Josue L. Escobosa.

Among other ripple effects, the rise of volatility in the Middle East has also been a strong motivator for the U.S. to seek more energy independence - through renewable resources and biofuels - as a matter of national security.

Last spring, President Barack Obama spoke on energy security at Andrews Air Force Base, saying, “the Pentagon isn’t seeking these alternative fuels just to protect our environment. They’re pursuing these homegrown energy sources to protect our national security.

“Our military leaders recognize the security imperative of increasing the use of alternative fuels, decreasing energy use, reducing our reliance on imported oil, and making ourselves more energy-efficient.”

Last week, the U.S. Navy tested an experimental riverine command boat which used an alternative fuel of 50 percent algae-based and 50 percent NATO-76 fuel oil. The test was part of the Navy’s initiative to reduce the fleet’s reliance on fossil fuels, and was part of a series of tests that are scheduled through 2012.

“From a strategic perspective, we are reducing reliance on fossil fuels from unstable locations. Tactically, efficient use of energy resources extend our combat range and use of non-petroleum fuels assures multiple supplies are available,” said Rear Admiral Philip Cullom, Chief of Naval Operations’ director of energy and environmental readiness.

The biofuel program is expected to benefit servicemembers by increasing efficiency and extending the ranges they can travel without refueling. “If this extends the range of a pilot, say for one more pass around a carrier, it could make the difference in allowing the pilot to get home to his family safely,” added Cullom.

Following a similar path, the U.S. Navy just purchased an undisclosed amount of powdered algae jet fuel from Compact Contractors for America, which develops dry process biofuels from algae, camelina seed, and other non-fossil sources. Dry process biofuels are essentially powders than can be fluidized and combusted in jet turbine engines.

The purchase was made through the Applied Research Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University. The lab was established in 1945 to advance the U.S. Navy’s technology base through research and development.

Tim Edwards, a senior chemical engineer with the the lab’s propulsion directorate, said, “Looking ahead to when algae hits it big, people are putting hundreds of millions of dollars into it, and we’re helping to enable that algae feedstock for aviation applications.”

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