Sustainable Energy Pathways for Smart Urbanization and Off Grid Access: Options and Policies for Military Installations and Remote Communities

Abstract

Civilian and military communities alike must pursue innovative approaches to provide resilient, sustainable energy and water sources in the face of global challenges such as climate change, increasing population density, and ever more complex and vulnerable infrastructure systems. Equally compelling is the need for reliable energy supply to remote locations – whether they are military bases, humanitarian refugee camps or communities that have no access to electricity. We emphasize technological pathways and options that do not rely on a long supply chain and those less reliant upon fossil fuels. To the extent possible, it is ideal to focus initially on highly efficient building, equipment, and infrastructure systems to reduce energy demand, and to harvest energy available on site through energy recovery processes and renewable power generation before applying power sources. Meeting the needs of these communities requires a focus on the development of next generation transmission and distribution infrastructure, in coordination with effective local distributed generation. The concept of a smart energy network that integrates and exploits the power of information and communication technologies with advanced decision-making tools will be an important aspect of developments. Systematically engaging and building understanding amongst stakeholders – from decision makers and regulators, to utility operators, community leaders, and ultimately to community citizens – will be critical to building and sustaining portfolios that meet the diverse acceptability criteria for these next generation energy systems and technologies.