The Office of Naval Research is working with the Marine Corps and other services to advance tactical energy independence for expeditionary power needs.
The Renewable Sustainable Expeditionary Power enabling capability (EC) responds to a joint urgent operational need statement to support forward-operating bases, combat outposts and observation posts with renewable and self-sustainable energy solutions. It addresses the Navy expeditionary maneuver warfare capability gap logistics support to distributed operations by providing increased self-sufficiency in powering small units and development of alternative tactical mobile electric power sources necessary to support an increasing number of critical electrically powered devices.
RSEP will deliver a tactically deployable Technology Readiness Level 6 system employing both renewable and sustainable power, targeted for forward-deployed enhanced company operation needs. It will enable short-term silent operations and sustained low-noise missions.
The warfighting payoff includes support of forward-deployed enhanced company operation needs; reduced logistics tail; improved force protection; increased tactical energy independence, and; the enabling of staggered fuel resupply, short-term silent operations, sustained low noise missions and longer missions.
The EC transition sponsor is the program manager for Expeditionary Power Systems, Quantico, Va. It supports 2010 Marine Corps critical strategic priorities which highlight operational energy reduction to reduce expeditionary energy consumption and increase naval warfighter energy independence. The EC is also aligned with the 2009 Department of Navy energy strategy, which calls for aggressive reduction of our reliance on fossil fuels.