Should the US Military Use Biofuels Despite the High Price

Navy Ship
Photo Credit: Bobby Mikul / www.publicdomainpictures.net

The US Military will acquire 450,000 gallons of biofuel from Solazyme and Dynamic Fuels LLC to power their aircrafts and ships in next year’s RIMPAC or Rim of the Pacific Exercise, the largest international maritime exercise in the world. Solazyme will supply an algae based biofuel while Dynamic Fuels LLC will supply a biofuel based from used cooking oil and animal fats. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said that a 50-50 blend of biofuel and petroleum based diesel will be used in the exercise off Hawaii next summer. The purchase costs $12 million or roughly $26 a gallon.

The biofuels are considered “drop in” fuels, fuels that can be used without making modifications in the engines. The 450, 000 gallons that the US Military purchased is just a small part of the US Navy’s annual fuel consumption of 1.26 billion gallons a year. This purchase was made to boost the biofuel industry which will also benefit farmers and the agriculture sector. It will also educate the military and the private sector as well about the use of biofuels. This is a major step towards fuel independence for the United States who still relies heavily on imported oil and fossil fuels.

               Navy Jets
        Photo Credit: Bobby Mikul / www.publicdomainpictures.net

These biofuels come at a high price when compared to diesel which is around $4. For it to become viable, the price has to be at least near the price of petroleum based diesel. Although it is good that at least there is a functioning alternative energy source in case of emergencies, the US Military cannot afford to continue to use it on a wide scale if this price remains.

On the other hand, we laud the US Military for allowing their vessels and aircrafts to be used for testing these revolutionary energy sources. The alternative energy sector needs to conduct as much tests as possible for them to come up with a really viable renewable fuel. However, while the contract price for now may be considered justifiable, future contracts should be within the price range of diesel.

In addition, careful monitoring of the renewable energy industries must also be done. They might be taking advantage of the government’s program that advocates the use of renewable energy sources. The renewable energy industries must be made well aware that their products still does not meet the public’s requirements and there is still substantial work that must be done on their part.