NEW YORK, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- Syracuse University has announced a partnership with two entrepreneurs to advance the use of biofuels as an alternative energy source for U.S. armed forces.
Two entrepreneurs, John Fox and Wayne Arden, have proposed producing biodiesel in Afghanistan to achieve multiple benefits, including reducing risks to U.S. troops and building a sustainable economy in the country.
In a report called "Producing and Using Biodiesel in Afghanistan," Fox and Arden analyzed off-the-shelf solutions that could be used to produce biodiesel in Afghanistan.
The concept coincides with the U.S. Department of Defense working to increase the use of renewable energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuel resources and to achieve "net zero energy" throughout the military.
Syracuse University said the creation of the partnership will allow for piloting of the recommendations included in the report and documentation of the economical viability of the proposal.
"We recognize the extensive research and effort that has been put into developing these recommendations," said Gina Lee-Glauser, vice president for research at Syracuse University. "We believe that these recommendations have the potential to reduce U.S. casualties and lessen the military's dependence on petroleum.
"In the coming weeks, we will be partnering with John Fox and Wayne Arden to evaluate a parallel implementation at one or more U.S. military bases. The purpose of this partnership is to pilot the recommendations and document the economical viability of the proposal. This parallel implementation will help the (Defense Department) make further progress in making military bases in the U.S."
