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November 21, 2008 3:30:47 AM CST

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Military at War With Rising Fuel Costs

Posted May 21, 08 10:12 AM CDT in US,  Technology 

(Newser) – Fuel costs are hitting the US military harder than most, the Wall Street Journal reports, and it's moving forward with efforts to switch to synthetic, and greener, alternatives. Chugging 340,000 barrels of oil per day, the military is the nation's largest consumer; synthetic fuels and massive solar arrays are already in use, and the military is considering nuclear plants on some remote bases.

Crude prices broke the $130 barrier today, the AP notes, underlining the military's concerns that its reliance is a weakness. "The endgame is to wean the dependence on foreign oil," an Air Force official said. Experts warn, however, that the government must move faster to keep growth steady in alternative fuels, particularly refining synthetics.

Sources Wall Street Journal, Associated Press

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Chart shows fuel provided for military use, by type of fuel.   (AP Photo)
The US Air Force spent nearly $6 billion on fuel last year, further motivating brass to move toward cheaper options.   (AP Photo/Northrop Grumman Corp)
A convoy of armored U.S. Army vehicles drive toward Madain, Iraq.   (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban, File)
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