Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 2
2
Accepted
Paragraph: 29
Military equipment and training require urgent adaptation for extreme temperatures and emissions.
Conclusion
Military equipment will need to be adapted to operate effectively under the more extreme temperature ranges that are predicted, as well to help reduce emissions, although this should be achieved without compromising military capability. This process cannot be delayed; more than a 1,000 new tanks and other armoured vehicles with conventional diesel engines will enter service in the next few years and will still be in service after the 2050 net zero target. Armed Forces training will also need to be adapted in the face of rising global temperatures, so military readiness to respond to crises is not eroded.
Government Response Summary
The government details ongoing and planned decarbonisation efforts, including clearing all Defence air platforms for 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends, investing £14 million with a further £13 million programmed for Battlefield Electrification trials, and designing future naval platforms for through-life adaptability to new energy sources.
Paragraph Reference:
29
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
. The MOD’s Strategic Approach to Climate Change and Sustainability states that ‘Defence must preserve its capabilities despite the impact of climate change…while never compromising capability solely for a sustainable solution.’ This is why its ambition is to reduce emissions and contribute to the achievement of the Net Zero Commitment, whilst ensuring there is no detrimental impact on the UK’s ability to fight and win in ever more hostile and unforgiving world. Specific decarbonisation work, which in many cases has operational benefits, is being driven forward through the MOD’s Top Level Budget (TLB) holders supported by its Enabling Organisations as well as Industry Partners. Examples include: • Air. All Defence air platforms have been cleared to use a 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend, with the first SAF-powered military transporter flight taking place in November 2022. This positions the MOD to take advantage of SAF with the added benefit of reducing lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%, while improving operational effectiveness. The RAF is also leading the way in technology development such as Project GLADIATOR, linking synthetic training systems from across the Land, Maritime and Air domains, supporting sustainability initiatives by helping to reduce the environmental footprint of collective training. It will allow for more complex training to occur in a structured setting and reduce the cost of carrying out real life training while helping to reduce carbon emissions. This will reduce the amount of live flying required to maintain operational advantage whilst mitigating the climate impact of live flying. Similarly, the RAF’s Rapid Capabilities Office has recently announced a partnership to produce two experimental aircraft, exploring novel propulsion technologies and how they can be applied to military capabilities. • Maritime. The Royal Navy has already brought into service River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels fitted with catalytic reduction that can reduce nitrogen-based emissions by up to 97%. Looking ahead, it is building through-life adaptability into future platform designs, such as the new Fleet Solid Support ships. This will ensure maximum flexibility for insertion of developing technologies, such as vessel design features to meet the challenge that many future maritime energy sources will be low flashpoint fuels. • Land. The Army has invested c.£14 million in Battlefield Electrification, with a further £13 million programmed, which will inform hybrid-electric requirements for future capabilities. Trials will deliver robust military evidence and assessment, allowing the Army to commit to investment decisions for both current (in-service) and future capabilities. Testing to date has indicated First Special Report: Defence and Climate Change 5 that Hybrid Electric Drive will offer long term savings by reducing logistics requirements and simplifying the supply chain, all while offering significant improvements in tactical and operational advantage.