Green Options

The U.S. Defense Department is backing an academic program that may ultimately offer long-term aid in the area of resource conservation

The Pentagon will spend $400 million to develop solar-charged, hydrogen fuel cell blimp which will reach an altitude of 65,000 feet and remain airborne for 10 years.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has given San Diego-based Science Applications International Corporation a contract to develop an algae-based alternative to petroleum-based jet fuel.

The contract could be worth as much as $25 million if all targets are reached. SAIC says there will be two phases to the project. The first will involve refining the technology and developing lab-scale production capabilities. The second phase will involve the construction of what SAIC calls a “pre-pilot scale” production facility.