The US Army is on its way to discover fuel cells and bio-batteries, suggesting a possibility that the next war would use portable power. To make some productive efforts in this direction, the Department of Defense has come up with a brilliant idea of starting a grant program called Small Business Innovation Research, which would try exploring fuel sources from things like potatoes, sugar, vodka or beer. The US military is taking the US into green times with its new development of lightweight, highly efficient and portable power systems, which will soon be replacing conventional batteries.

The Problem

The Defense Reduction Threat Agency has been facing enormous problems using conventional batteries for quite some time now. The main problem with them is transporting them. Being heavy by nature causes much trouble moving them to and around the battlefield. Another area of concern is their storage. They are large-sized, hence storing them becomes a difficult task. Disposing these various types of batteries is quite challenging.

The Solution

The US military is here just in time with an innovative solution. The answer to the above-mentioned problems are bio-based batteries and fuel cells that provide portable power. The features that give them an upper edge in comparison to the conventional batteries are they are more efficient, compact hence portable, safe and cost effective. Sony has made its presence felt by developing a bio-fuel cell powered by sugar. A similar concept is used for developing vodka bio-batteries. Biological-Based Energy Storage and Generation Technologies, a research grant, is on the top of the priority list among the various topics that are to be proposed for consideration by the Office of Secretary of Defense.

The US military must be applauded for this brilliant step that will contribute to the eco-friendly quotient. This step will act as a source of inspiration for the others.

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