By Lena Babaeva Coradini

Marines are utilizing some fantastic technology, that is for sure! As the Navy focuses on renewable energy systems and technology, it is introducing a new system for the Marine Corps to be able to power computers and other communication technology in the field:

The Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy System (Greens) uses arrays of solar panels and rechargeable batteries to provide an average continuous output of 300 watts, enough to power most of the essential communications and targeting electronics that Marine forces would need in remote locations. It can provide as much as 1,000 watts of power.

The goal is to start procuring these portable systems in the first quarter of this year, Navy officials said. The contract solicitation was still in process at press time. . . . .

Greens also comes with a software-based toolkit that allows Marines to enter their mission profile into a computer, which will then tell them which components, such as turbines, cables and batteries, they will need to take with them to provide the power required.

What I found most interesting about the article is that the reason this technology is so important to the Marines and other armed forces is that it will allow the soldiers to carry less fuel with them and therefore face fewer issues in obtaining the fuel.  That is true innovation!