Saving energy on the battlefield saves lives and money.

That's how Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta described the importance of the Department of Defense (DoD) continuing to "develop innovative energy solutions to advance our military missions and use our precious resources wisely."

As part of this initiative, the DoD announced Tuesday, January 31, 2012 the release of $18 million to fund six military programs to reduce the energy demand of future expeditionary outposts. These funds will support efforts to develop and rapidly transition energy technologies for the combat force, resulting in improved military capabilities, fewer energy-related casualties, and lower costs for the taxpayer.

"A military force that uses energy more strategically is stronger, today and in the future," said Sharon E. Burke, assistant secretary of defense for operational energy plans and programs. "As the Department reshapes the force to build a more agile, flexible military capable of responding to the full range of future challenges, the work of the six teams funded under this effort will give our troops better energy options on the battlefield."

One of these programs, Super Energy Efficient Containerized Living Unit (SuperCLU) Design and Development, led by Naval Facilities Engineering Command (Port Hueneme, California), with partnership from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Public Works Department, and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Experimentation -- Western Research, Testing and Evaluation Center, was awarded $1 million to develop a new highly efficient living unit.

At expeditionary bases around the world, many DoD personnel live in converted metal shipping containers called Containerized Living Units (CLUs), which do not incorporate energy efficient HVAC systems, high R-value insulation, reflective insulated exterior coatings, or well balanced interior air distribution.

The program team will incorporate these features into the redesign of an existing CLU and to develop a new highly efficient SuperCLU. In addition, the team will also incorporate light weight building materials, better mobility, and aim to maximize interior space.

The team will initially focus on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti where they seek to reduce energy use in renovated CLUs by 54 percent and 82 percent for the Super CLU, thus reducing the fuel demand and associated costs at the camp and providing valuable lessons for other expeditionary sites.

"Camp Lemonnier's austere environment and operational tempo provides unique opportunities for energy conservation measures," said U.S. Navy Commander Roland J. de Guzman, Camp Lemonnier public works officer. "We've already partnered with Naval Facilities Engineering Command on other initiatives, including installing water meters to record and analyze consumption; installing water saving showerheads; replacing street lighting with energy-efficient bulbs; and installing high efficiency washing machines."

"This SuperCLU Design and Development Project will not only benefit Camp Lemonnier, but all expeditionary bases," added de Guzman.

Camp Lemonnier provides a base of operations for U.S. military and allied forces. The camp provides resources and services to support the missions of 27 tenant commands, in addition to food, recreational, medical and transportation support services.

The camp was formerly a military barracks of the French Foreign Legion. After negotiations in 2001, the Djiboutian government allowed for the base's use by the U.S. military. Today, Camp Lemonnier serves as a key location from which U.S. and Coalition forces operate in the region while fostering positive U.S.-African relations.

Camp Lemonnier is also home to the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), the U.S. Africa Command organization that conducts operations in the region to enhance partner nation capacity, promote regional security and stability, dissuade conflict, and protect U.S. and coalition interests.

The camp supports approximately 3,500 U.S., joint and allied forces military and civilian personnel and U.S. DoD contractors. Additionally, the base provides employment for approximately 1,200 local and third country nation workers.

See related article: DOD Reviews Energy Strategy, Explores Energy Reduction Methods