Conducting a business case analysis for Net Zero Plus--Joint Concept Technology Demonstration (JCTD)

Abstract

Net Zero Plus (NZP) is an approved Fiscal Year 2007 Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) initiative by the United States Rapid Equipping Force (REF). The purpose of JCTD is to identify significant military needs and match them to mature technologies or technology demonstration programs, so that the military needs can be addressed rapidly. The operational issue that underlies this research is how to reduce the risk to logistics forces by lowering the re-supply requirement of fuel by forward/remote operating bases. The achievement of this reduction in external fuel requirements reduces costs and diminishes the number of fuel convoys required. Fewer convoys reduce the opportunity for an enemy to target and attack our forces in vulnerable convoys. NZP looks into mainly three categories, namely: energy supply, energy demand and brilliant distribution of energy to the forward operating bases. The purpose of this study is to analyze the cost and benefits of implementing the following proposed alternative energy solutions, namely: 1) External Spray Foam Insulation 2) Transportable Hybrid Electric Power Station (THEPS) 3) Tactical Garbage to Energy Refinery (TGER) This research will: 1) Develop a Business Case to analyze the alternative solutions. The objective is to identify the costs and benefits of the alternative solutions. The goal is provide the decision makers the financial information so they can make better informed decisions. 2) Examine DoD's proposed alternatives to reduce its demand for oil and understand the financial aspect of the alternatives proposed.