IAGS logo Energy Security
Prepared by the
Institute for the Analysis of Global Security

October 30, 2003
Contact IAGS: info@iags.org
To subscribe, send a blank email to subscribe@iags.org
To unsubscribe, send a blank email to unsubscribe@iags.org
NDCF report: the hidden cost of imported oil
National Defense Council Foundation: if reflected at the pump, the “hidden costs” of oil would raise the price of gallon of gasoline to over $5.28.

Thirty years later oil is still a big gun
Thirty years ago, on October 17, in an attempt to influence U.S. Middle East policy, the OPEC cartel, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, decided to cut oil supply to the U.S. Can it happen again, and what can we do about it?

Dangerous Dependence
The United States should decrease its use of Middle Eastern oil and develop alternate fuel methods or risk even greater reliance on the Arab world, warns one energy expert.

Minding Its Business
Saudi Arabia, which has demonstrated its willingness to use its vast oil reserves as a foreign policy tool, has not acted to aid U.S. efforts to rebuild Iraq.

Fencing in looters and saboteurs in Iraq
Too many people in and outside of Iraq are hoping to deny Iraq a better future through a campaign of sabotage and plunder of the country's neglected oil facilities. The problem, and possible solutions.

In this hemisphere

Unrest in Bolivia over gas deal
Riots over a proposed $5 billion project to export natural gas to the U.S. forced Bolivia's president to step down.

Background

Prospects on Russia’s stance towards OPEC
In September Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler Prince Abdullah made the first visit to Russia by a Saudi head of state in over seven decades. The future of Moscow’s stance towards OPEC is a critical question for the world oil market. Will Russia be willing to cooperate with OPEC and thus further strengthen the power of the cartel to set a price range for oil?

Energy security and liquefied natural gas
Demand for natural gas has increased as have the security vulnerabilities presented by liquefied natural gas terminals and tankers.

On the technology front

Genesis Fueltech reports successful long term test of methanol reformer
Phillip Piffer, president of Genesis Fueltech, reports on testing of the company’s newest methanol to hydrogen fuel processor.

Caterpillar and FuelCell Energy Announce Largest Fuel Cell Power Plant Installation in Illinois
The fuel cell power plant, which can supply electricity to more than 250 average American homes, will be connected to the Peoria area electricity grid.

Plug-in hybrid electric HUMVEE for the U.S. military
International Truck and Engine Corporation has a cooperative agreement with Vision Technologies Systems, Inc, to design and market a repowered solution for the HUMVEE® which includes a hybrid electric drive with plug-in power.

Hydrogen fuel cell powered special operations vehicles for the Army
Quantum Fuel System Technologies Worldwide, Inc., will develop and demonstrate a high performance, hydrogen fuel cell powered light-duty, special operations vehicle. Fuel comprises 70 percent of the supplies transported by the Armed Services to support battlefield operations.


IAGS is a publicly supported, nonprofit organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. IAGS is not beholden to any industry or political group. We depend on you for support. If you think what we are doing is worthwhile, please Support IAGS. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.



Property of The Institute for the Analysis of Global Security © 2003. All rights reserved.

Back Issues

Hydrogen fuel cell powered special operations vehicles for the Army

Quantum Fuel System Technologies Worldwide, Inc., has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army TARDEC-NAC (National Automotive Center) to develop and demonstrate a high performance, hydrogen fuel cell powered light-duty, special operations vehicle. The vehicle will be designed by Quantum’s Advanced Vehicle Concept Center in Lake Forest, California. Quantum will complete the development program and will support the U.S. Army’s demonstrations at military bases throughout the country.

This is Quantum’s second contract supporting the U.S. Army in the development of hydrogen fuel cell systems applications. This program will integrate a hydrogen fuel cell powered hybrid electric powertrain into a light-duty off-road vehicle, and will achieve performance that meets or exceeds the gasoline internal combustion engine version. Specifically, Quantum will develop a chassis and body, integrate the fuel cell power module, design the electric drive system, design the hydrogen fuel storage and delivery system, and develop the operational and maintenance documentation.

Benefits from these vehicles will include a reduced thermal signature, near-silent propulsion, and the rapid deployment of equipment utilized by troops. With the increasing tactical and communication equipment being implemented on the battlefield and the need for electrical power to support it, fuel cell powered vehicles also have the capability of exporting electrical power silently for a multitude of applications. With fuel comprising 70 percent of the supplies transported by the Armed Services to support battlefield operations, this project has the potential to illustrate a pathway to address logistic issues.

The U.S. Army has the option to expand this project to include a refueling system designed by Quantum.

Dennis Wend, Executive Director of the U.S. Army’s National Automotive Center said, “The U.S. Army is always looking at new technologies with partners like Quantum to provide solutions that address the military’s challenges in the battlefield. Fuel cells have the potential to provide more efficient, stealthier vehicles through the use of advanced drivetrain technologies, and to solve tactical and logistical issues faced by the military.”

Also see:
Plug-in hybrid electric HUMVEE for the U.S. military

Top