Experts discuss ''Innovative Energy Solutions for Military Application'' in Vilnius
High-level officials from NATO and partner countries attended an event on “Innovative Energy Solutions for Military Application” (IESMA) at the Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Centre (LITEXPO) in Vilnius, Lithuania on 12 and 13 November.
Participants included Lithuanian Minister of Defence Juozas Olekas, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges Ambassador Sorin Ducaru and NATO Chief Scientist Major General Albert Husniaux.
A government-only session on 14 November addressed NATO's “Smart Energy” strategy and opportunities for accelerating these technologies and solutions.
NATO continues to advance in its efforts to improve the energy efficiency of Allied forces. In February 2014, the North Atlantic Council agreed on a "Green Defence Framework" which highlights the Alliance’s work on “Smart Energy”. The Framework was reaffirmed by the Allied Heads of State and Government at the Wales Summit on 4 and 5 September 2014.
Major General Albert Husniaux said, “It’s the dialogue between scientists and the operational community which generates innovation, by stimulating the generation of ideas and cross-fertilising them”.
The Alliance has created a wide range of “Smart Defence” initiatives, such as the Smart Energy Team (SENT) that advises NATO in its efforts to help lower fuel and electricity consumption in multinational “Smart Energy” projects.
Since its last gathering in 2011, IESMA has already provided a platform for information exchange on best practices and technologies for advancing energy efficiency in the military. This year, the event featured a conference and an industrial exhibition to discuss and showcase cutting-edge energy-saving technology, such as micro-grids, energy storage and portable power solutions.
Major General Albert Husniaux added, “Innovation is a mind-set: it is the choice for being an entrepreneur compared to an executer”.
More information can be found on the website www.iesma.info