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Last week, the U.S. Navy showed off the power and maneaverability of its 49-foot experimental Riverine Command Boat (RCB-X) in Norfolk, VA. But what’s unique about the RCB-X is not only what you can see from the outside, but by what, at least in part, powers it; algae.
That’s right. The experimental RCB-X is powered by a half part diesel, and half part algae based fuel. U.S. Navy tells us:The fuel, a “drop in replacement” to standard shipboard fuel, is 50 percent algae-based and 50 percent NATO F-76 fuel, which forms a 50/50 blend of hydro-processed renewable diesel, also known in industry as “HR-D.”
Additionally, HR-D, as opposed to biofuel, does not include water which is incompatible for shipboard fuel systems and does not have the limited serviceable life (typically six months) of biofuels. A blended hydro-processed renewable diesel fuel ensures that the integrity of the fuel system is maintained....The demonstration supports the Navy’s efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, culminating in 2012 with a Green Strike Group operating locally. By 2016, the Navy plans on deploying a Great Green Fleet powered entirely by alternative fuels.
While it’s easy to see the environmental benefits of seeking alternative energy sources, going green does not come cheap.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gregory N. Juday
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