Defence Net Zero Strategy!
On 24 October 2024, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, International Development and the Pacific, introduced Defence’s Net Zero Strategy. This emissions reduction plan offers a pathway toward achieving net zero by 2050 while supporting Defence’s shift to clean energy. It is intended to align with whole-of-Government action on emissions, helping Defence balance sustainability with operational readiness and capability.
However, Defence requires constant, reliable power sources, and the strategy of transitioning to renewable energy may pose risks if reliability is compromised. Defence operations, by nature, depend on uninterrupted and immediate power availability to maintain preparedness and effectiveness. Consequently, an approach relying heavily on variable renewable sources could inadvertently reduce Defence’s capability and resilience.
The Net Zero Strategy identifies four main strategic aims:
- Accelerate emissions reductions using secure, reliable renewable electricity.
- Transition to low-emissions fuel alternatives.
- Enhance energy efficiency and explore carbon sequestration on the Estate to cut emissions and costs.
- Establish a unified, integrated approach to achieving net zero, supported by enabling functions and resources.
In tandem, the Defence Future Energy Strategy outlines Defence’s plan for a measured shift to low-emissions fuels, electrification, and new clean energy technologies. These efforts aim to bolster energy independence and build sovereign supply chains, yet it remains essential to ensure they do not compromise Defence’s unique operational demands for consistency and reliability.
What is the care factor in this announcement: we lost the battle but we didn’t emit any more CO2?
Our government has weird ideas about national security. Why aren’t our generals pointing this out as nonsense?
Where does this ‘strategy’ rank on the list of Defence priorities? Does anyone in Government know what ‘defence of the nation’ means?
I am starting to think that most of these people in Government at present should get managers and stop handling themselves. It will be interesting to see who come’s up with the first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile fitted with solar Panels and a solar navigation contraption. At least they will not be able to fight of a night and we will be all able to get some sleep. But then some Drongo will find a way around that.
Yes, I joke, because this is such an important subject and it is being left in the hands of Drongos who don’t understand the need for sound reliable Defence of our Nation.