The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) intends to invest in the use of energy efficiency techniques and renewables generation after deeming it an “operational imperative”.
In the organisation’s annual report, released yesterday, it states the potential for developments in the field of energy could have “far-reaching security implications”. As a result, NATO has sought to raise its “strategic awareness” in the field.
NATO said this extends to the dangers in transporting fuel, which can be a risk to human life in dangerous areas, and reducing the affect climate change has on the security environment.
Roll-up solar panels are listed as being of particular interest to the organisation, while NATO will also collaborate with several allied countries in energy efficiency techniques.
“Smart energy solutions can not only save money when less fuel is used, but can also save soldiers’ lives and help improve the mobility, as well as the resilience and endurance of military forces,” the report states.
The report has also noted a number of examples during 2015 when NATO used energy efficient technologies, most notably a multinational exercise in Hungary which saw 14 military companies use solar and wind generators, smart grids and advanced insulation to reduce their overall energy consumption, which it described as a “major milestone” for NATO forces.
