U.S. navy conducts biggest alternative fuel test

The United States Navy recently pumped 20,000 gallons of algae-based fuel into a destroyer ship, by far its biggest alternative fuel test. The Paul H. Foster will go on a 20-hour trip along the coast of California and the success of the ship’s overnight trip from San Diego to Port Hueneme will be vital to the Navy’s plans for next year. The U.S. navy is planning to unveil a small carrier strike group consisting of small ships, destroyers, cruisers, aircraft, submarines and a carrier, which will all be running on alternative fuel, including nuclear power. By 2016, the U.S. navy plans to deploy the “Great Green Fleet,” which will be composed of nuclear vessels, hybrid electric ships and other aircraft and ships running on bio-fuels. (November 23, 2011)