Disruptive Energy Technologies and Military Capabilities

Energy is a critical input in military functions. As more advanced technology and weapons are deployed, the demand for energy is also expected to rise. However, it is pertinent to examine the possibility and extent of any fundamental changes in the way energy technology is deployed by the US military and the implications on national security. While large research projects are currently underway to support moves toward enhancing energy efficiency in operational energy usage, it is unclear to what extent these would create major tactical or strategic disruptions. To identify the possibility of major energy technology related disruptions, an exploratory framework that analyzes different options along the different stages of the energy value chain—generation, storage, transfer, and usage—is developed, and different technologies that fit within it are identified. These technologies are then assessed in the context of the Lethality-Survivability-Mobility triad framework to understand where and how strategic disruptions could be generated. Finally, this chapter provides recommendations on key areas where research could be pursued to gain maximum returns and the organizational aspects of energy technology acquisitions of the US military.