MoD to use renewable energy at Afghanistan bases

Renewable energy could be used to power army bases in Afghanistan in an effort to reduce the incidences of insurgents attacking fuel convoys.

MoD to use renewable energy at Afghanistan bases

The Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) agency from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is calling for bids to address how bases in the country could use wind and solar power, the Press Association reported.

Ray Fielding, of DE&S's programmes and technology group, said renewable energy technologies "are of great interest", as they would reduce the number of diesel deliveries needed, which are a particular target for improvised explosive devices.

However, he warned: "Alternative power systems must provide a similar level of electrical power with the same degree of robustness and remove the logistics burden of transporting fuel to the base."

According to the news provider, the MoD is purchasing solar panels for use at smaller bases in Helmand province later in the year.

Last year, the first ever wind turbine to be located on MoD land was installed by E.ON at the Duke of York's Royal Military School in Kent.

Source: Low Carbon Economy