Energy and Energy Security
Energy security plays an important role in the national security of the United States and its Allies. The disruption of energy supply could effect national economies, the welfare of the population, and the ability of military forces to ensure national security.
In addition, the impact of how and where energy resources are obtained and utilized are also important factors in the energy security equation.
A stable and reliable energy supply, the diversification of technologies, resources and routes, secure supply chains, and the interconnectivity of energy networks remain critically important for increased resilience against political and economic pressure.
Energy supplies to the military must be ensured at all times. Since the military depends on civilian energy networks, it is important to ensure the security of critical energy infrastructure and supply chains, and develop innovative, resilient, efficient and autonomous energy solutions for the military, such as dedicated micro-grids.
CESIR seeks to enhance the strategic awareness of energy developments with security implications. This includes the protection of critical energy infrastructure, cybersecurity of energy systems, and ensuring reliable, secure, resilient, and efficient energy supplies to our military forces.
In the areas of Energy and Energy Security, educational activities will focus on all energy sources, including fossil, nuclear, and renewable energy for electric power production and land, sea, and air propulsion. Further areas of study include: alternative fuels, cybersecurity, electricity transmission, distribution and controls, the sources and uses of global energy supplies, strategic materials critical to energy production and use, and energy analysis, policy, and security.
Research activities will include: Energy analysis and security, off-shore wave energy including remote monitoring stability and survivability, nuclear energy, energy development in the Arctic, renewable energy and storage, cybersecurity, microgrids, development and testing of low/no carbon fuels, ship drag reduction, and wireless power transmission.
Representative Midshipmen research projects include:
- Microgrid for USNA Energy Resilience
- Microgrids for DON Installations
- Floating Nuclear Power Plant for Disaster Relief
- Barge for Mobile Disaster Relief Power Plant
- Buoyant Emergency Generator Platforms for Flood Resilience, Annapolis, MD
- Marine Renewable Energy for Aquaculture
- Hydrogen-fueled engine
The links below describe the Energy Security programs of the Department of the Navy and the Department of Defense:
DON Energy Program for Security and Independence 2020
DON Installation Energy Resilience Strategy
DOD Operational Energy Strategy
