The Intersection of Climate and Energy

By Kristen Fletcher, Faculty Associate-Research, Energy Academic Group

Both climate and energy are interwoven in national security and military operations. Our use and production of energy have an impact on climate, and climate change can alter our energy generation potential and energy needs. Operationally, environmental change puts stress on energy infrastructure and reliability of energy sources, especially in extreme temperatures or extreme weather.

The Navy’s approach to addressing the intersection of climate and energy is practical: it recognizes its vulnerabilities including coastal infrastructure and supply chains that furnish energy and materials to its bases and fleet, all of which are essential to mission readiness. Increasing energy efficiency reduces risk to infrastructure and lives, while transitioning to renewable energy at bases can help protect from cyberattacks on traditional electric grids.

Executive Order (EO) 14008, “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad,” includes a U.S. goal of net-zero emissions by mid-century and makes this goal an essential element of U.S. national security. In 2019, DoD energy consumption accounted for up to 77% of federal government energy use. To meet the goals of EO 14008, the DoD and DoN must move from a focus on high-level goals to identifying achievable pathways that can lead to net-zero emissions.

NPS research is contributing to the Navy’s role in this effort. NPS students have undertaken a capstone project on the cost-benefit analysis of green fuels this fall while EAG will lead a 2021–2022 project, funded by the Naval Research Program, entitled Analysis of Pathways to Reach Net-Zero Naval Operations by 2050. The project will be interdisciplinary to understand DoN energy needs and evaluate solution pathways.