“I strongly believe that most resource issues will be settled by the power of the market, not by the power of guns,” says Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Secretary General of NATO. “Energy security is not a call to arms. But when it comes to understanding the security implications of global resource developments, NATO must be ahead of the curve.”
How effective can NATO really be in resolving this situation?
Well, so far, their anti-piracy legislation protects maritime supply chains. NATO also provides a reliable network for sharing information, educating and training, and collaborating with allied countries, as well as experts from the private sector on new methods of protecting vulnerable aspects of our energy infrastructure (against hackers, for example).
Additionally, NATO is proceeding with plans to “go green” with their armed forces by developing alternative energy projects. Rising fuel costs and depleting resources make energy –efficiency more crucial than ever. Compared to World War II, fuel consumption per soldier today is ten times higher!
NATO forces in Afghanistan currently consume over four million liters of fuel per day, most of which is transported through areas vulnerable to terrorist attack. Reducing the number of fuel convoys not only reduces the militaries impact on the environment, it means fewer soldiers’ lives are put in danger.
“This isn’t just about saving money,” claims Rasmussen. “It’s about saving lives, and saving the environment.”
NRGLab believes the best way to accomplish both of those goals is to end our dependence on fossil fuels. If NATO had access to a portable, renewable source of electricity like the SH-Box, perhaps they wouldn’t need fuel convoys, or maritime legislation, or to concern themselves with their troops’ energy efficiency. In fact, they could be paying as little as $0.03 per kWh!
For more information, visit nrglab.asia.
energy terrorism, national security, NATO Energy Security Centre, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, fuel consumption, SH-box, NRGLab
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