NATO forces have advanced operational energy capabilities over the past several years including development of alternative and more efficient energy technologies, and basic energy system analysis. Solar panels, insulated shelters, more efficient generators and air conditioners, and electrical power networks all have been recognized for reducing energy logistic demand where deployed. However, mitigating required fuel delivery requirements is only part of the operational energy opportunity, especially as energy contributions to operational capability continue to expand far beyond the traditional mobility focus. Operational technologies such as sensing, computing, communicating and networking depend, in turn, on such energy attributes as reliability, quality, density, flexibility, and interoperability for their effectiveness. We therefore must better define those dependencies, and develop effective models to balance the multitude of energy attributes and their impacts, if we seek to achieve the greatest net operational benefit – the ultimate goal of “energy-informed operations.”
