Small decentralized energy facilities combining solar panels, batteries, and hydrogen production are beneficial for defense by increasing energy resilience, enhancing tactical mobility, and reducing logistical vulnerabilities. Known as microgrids or nanogrids, these systems can operate independently of the main power grid, ensuring critical operations continue during disruptions caused by natural disasters, accidents, or attacks.
Enhanced energy resilience and security
A decentralized energy architecture is inherently more resilient and secure than a traditional, centralized grid.
Protection from attack: The distributed nature of these systems eliminates single points of failure. A large-scale attack or cyber intrusion would not cripple an entire network, forcing adversaries to expend more effort for diminished returns.
Defense against natural disasters: Decentralized microgrids allow military installations to operate autonomously during severe weather events or other natural disasters that may damage the main power grid.
Energy independence: Military bases can reduce their reliance on the commercial power grid and volatile fuel supply chains. This ensures mission-critical functions remain operational even when external resources are unavailable.
Increased tactical mobility and operational flexibility
Small, modular, and mobile energy facilities based on renewables can be deployed rapidly to support military operations in the field.
Expeditionary power: Mobile microgrids can be deployed to remote forward-operating bases and other tactical locations, providing power for communication, command, and control systems.
Reduced logistical footprint: By generating and storing power locally, tactical units can reduce their dependence on traditional fuel convoys. This lowers the logistical burden and eliminates a key target for enemy forces, which increases unit safety and operational range.
Power for advanced technology: Modernizing microgrids with integrated solar, battery, and hydrogen storage can meet the high electrical demands of emerging military technologies, such as directed-energy weapons and electric combat vehicles.
Reliable, long-duration energy storage
An energy system that combines batteries and hydrogen production offers a robust solution to the intermittent nature of solar power.
Battery storage for short-term needs: Batteries are highly effective for providing power on demand and managing short-term fluctuations in energy supply.
Hydrogen for long-duration storage: Hydrogen storage offers a compelling alternative to traditional batteries for long-term energy needs. Excess electricity generated from solar panels can power an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen, which can then be stored. When energy is required, a fuel cell can convert the hydrogen back into electricity.
Higher energy density: Hydrogen is significantly more energy-dense than batteries on a weight-equivalent basis, making it ideal for extending the operational range of vehicles or providing power over longer periods.
Reduced waste: Unlike batteries with limited lifespans and complex disposal, hydrogen-based systems are often cleaner and have a longer operational life.
Real-world military application
The U.S. Army is actively developing and demonstrating hydrogen-powered nanogrids that integrate these technologies for remote, off-grid operations. At the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, for example, a nanogrid powered by solar panels, hydrogen storage, and batteries is being tested to provide continuous, autonomous power for surveillance and weather stations. This project showcases the feasibility and benefits of these combined systems for military use.
“After World War II, the U.S. commissioned a series of studies to evaluate the effectiveness of various war strategies employed by the Allies. One of the most comprehensive was the U.S. Strategic Bombing Surveys. These examined all phases of strategic bombing in the European and Pacific theaters. Though the report highlighted bombing failures, it also highlighted the value of strikes on oil, logistics and power infrastructure.
Attacking oil infrastructure was decisive in both Europe and the Pacific. Blockades and strategic bombing of German oil refineries left the Wehrmacht with fuel shortages by 1945 and without key inputs to build munitions. Similarly, in the Pacific, interdiction by submarines and aerial mining of trade routes effectively depleted Japan's fuel reserves by the war's end. Further attacks on rail, road and sea logistics prevented Germany and Japan from resupplying their forces and sustaining industry.
Bombing electricity generation, transmission and fuel was a distant third in tangible effects on Germany and Japan's war efforts. A detailed reading of the bombing surveys indicates that attacks on oil and logistics alone were sufficient to end World War II.” [1]
1. Bohnert, Michael. Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition; New York, N.Y.. 10 Oct 2025: A15.
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