Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate, Borders and Maritime Security Division: Renewable Energy Research Roadmap

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, Borders and Maritime Security Division (BMD) is identifying next-generation renewable-energy solutions for inclusion in its research portfolio. Recognizing the potential of renewable energy to contribute to border security, BMD partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)to examine border-security energy demands and to ensure that advances in renewable energy and energy storage lead to increased security in these areas. NREL examined the energy needs along U.S. borders--especially in remote areas--to identify opportunities to apply renewable energy solutions today and to define the near- and long-term research agendas that will position border components andactivities to take advantage of renewable energy technologies in the future. This report provides a summary of the work that BMD and NREL have performed to date, outlines renewable energy technologies that have applicability to DHS operations, and highlights opportunities for future technology pilot projects or research initiatives that can supplement current technologies by developing solutionsfor DHS operational needs.