The Capability Vision - Reducing Dependence on Fossil Fuel seeks to utilize technology to significantly reduce the amount of fossil fuel Britain's Defence Forces use. The CDE event on the 21st May will explore a particularly challenging part of this problem - that of allowing forward bases to operate effectively while minimising / removing their need for a fuel supply chain. Such a concept presents a significant technological challenge but offers major military operational benefits and reducing vulnerability of the logistics tail.

DTIC will seek, through the CDE, ideas and technology that could either reduce the energy requirements of a base or provide alternatives to the diesel generators. Any alternative power systems must provide a similar level of electrical power, with the same degree of robustness / resilience, and remove the logistics burden of transporting fuel to the base. There must be no compromise to the effectiveness of the operations. One solution to this may be the generation of bio or synthetic fuels for military use from resources within the local environment of a base. This aspect will be discussed by the Defence Fuels Group. If successful the outcome of this work could lead to a concept demonstrator.

This competition is run by the Centre of Defence Enterprise(CDE).  The CDE is the first point of contact for anyone with a disruptive technology, new process or innovation that has a potential defence application.  The centre acts as a gateway between the outside world and the Ministry of Defence, bringing together innovation and investment for the defence market, ensuring that front-line forces have the best battle-winning technologies for the future. 

For more details and the portal to apply for this competition, please see http://www.science.mod.uk/engagement/enterprise.aspx