The mission will begin 17 July, continue for six weeks, and include the participation of 25,000 sailors and Marines, the institute said, calling the endeavor "the Navy's most ambitious energy plan yet."
Over the course of the test, which is part of the Navy's larger, "Great Green Fleet" project, the fleet will mix 450,000 gallons of bio-fuel made from advanced algae oils and recycled cooking oil with traditional, petroleum-based marine diesel and aviation fuel.
The Navy has ramped up funding for home-grown renewable fuels over the past year, making $30 million available last month for companies planning to build or retrofit a commercial-scale bio-refinery.
During a forum hosted by the institute on Thursday, several former military members spoke in favor of the use of bio-fuels, the consensus being that the military, of all things, should not be dependent on fossil fuels from regions given to conflict.
For additional information:
