On Thursday, September 15, the Pew Project on National Security held a forum entitled "Critical Links Between Clean Energy and National Security" at the Bryan Center at Duke University.  The forum featured national security leaders and local energy experts who discussed the critical links between our country’s energy use and national security. Presentations focused on the importance of growing the clean energy economy to strengthen our national security and the role the Department of Defense (DOD) can play as a catalyst of energy innovation. The event was well-attended, with approximately 200 people representing various interests from NC’s clean energy industry, including military, academia, local government and clean energy business leaders.  

Former U.S. Senator John Warner (R-VA) said that it is the public who must drive politicians to shape the market for a stronger energy security future.  Tim Profeta, Director of the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, differentiated between energy independence and energy resilience, stating, “The call to ‘Drill, baby drill!’ doesn’t work when, as a nation, we use 45% of global annual oil production, but sit on only 2% of global oil resources.” 

Admiral John B. Nathman, USN (Ret.), formerly the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces, serves on the Military Advisory Board of CNA, a non-profit that dedicates much of its resources to studying the effects of domestic energy use on national security.  His presentation elucidated the challenge of the DOD as it struggles to modify its transportation sector in order to save money and to make America more secure at home and abroad (e.g. the tactical vulnerability of transporting fuel).  He stressed that through importing nearly $400 billion of oil every year from countries that are unfriendly to American interests, the U.S. becomes more vulnerable.  According to Admiral Nathman and CNA, “Every $10 increase in the price of a barrel of oil costs the Department $1.3 billion.”

Vikram Rao, Executive Director of the Research Triangle Energy Consortium, discussed subsidies and the evolution of cleaner technologies, but stressed that energy efficiency measures are not enough. We must "simply reduce the imports of oil".

During the evening's presentations, a theme arose of the need for continued innovation and collaboration among the military, government and energy businesses, but also for more public awareness and involvement to spur action to increase our energy independence.  "We as a nation have got to adopt comprehensive legislation..", Senator Warner said.  "No organization in the world uses more energy than the DOD, and they use it to defend you." 

A reception followed a lively Q&A session, giving attendees time to speak directly with the panelists and network with other energy leaders.

Joining Pew Charitable Trusts and CNA as co-hosts of the event were the NC Sustainable Energy Association, Duke University's Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, Energy and Climate; Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce; and Research Triangle Energy Consortium.