Renewable, Sustainable Energy: A Strategic Imperative for National Defence

The integration of renewable, sustainable energy into defence systems is not just an environmental commitment—it is a strategic necessity.

New Zealand’s reliance on imported fossil fuels presents a critical vulnerability. In the event of geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, or an outright blockade, conventional military operations would be severely constrained. Current fuel reserves are minimal: from January 1, 2025, importers will be required to hold just 28 days’ supply of petrol, 24 days of jet fuel, and 21 days of diesel. While sufficient for short-term disruptions, these reserves are wholly inadequate for sustaining prolonged operations in a conflict scenario.

To address this, we have prioritized energy independence in the design and development of all our air, sea, and land platforms. This involves integrating advanced energy-harvesting technologies—solar, wind, hydrokinetic, and regenerative systems—allowing autonomous and optionally crewed systems to generate their own power in the field. The goal is to create a capability that is resilient, self-sustaining, and capable of operating without reliance on vulnerable supply chains.

Energy Independence in Maritime and Remote Operations

Nowhere is this more critical than in maritime operations, where endurance and range dictate operational effectiveness. Our sea-based platforms are fully electric, utilizing hybrid energy capture systems to ensure sustained functionality even in austere environments. The logistical challenges of supplying remote Pacific atolls are well-documented, and in a contested battlespace, these challenges would only intensify. By eliminating reliance on fossil fuels, we enhance strategic mobility, reduce operational costs, and minimize detection risks associated with traditional fuel resupply operations.

This principle extends to air and land systems. Autonomous aerial and ground platforms are being developed with energy-scavenging capabilities, reducing dependence on centralized refueling hubs. These innovations drastically lower logistical overhead, increase operational tempo, and allow for sustained presence in forward-deployed areas.

Lessons from Real-World Operations

The necessity of energy resilience was underscored when we undertook a disaster relief operation for the World Bank following a Category 5 cyclone in the Pacific. While the mission’s objective was to assess the viability of drones in disaster response, a crucial lesson emerged: energy availability dictated operational effectiveness. From transportation to critical areas of interest to maintaining UAV flight operations, even availability of food and water, every aspect of the mission hinged on access to power. The ability to generate electricity from renewable sources removed critical constraints, ensuring sustained operational capability in an environment where fuel resupply was impossible.

Autonomous Systems and the Future of Defence

The shift toward self-sustaining, autonomous systems represents a fundamental transformation in defence strategy. Beyond reducing logistical complexity, it enables a leaner, more agile force with a significantly smaller footprint. The cost savings are substantial, but the primary advantage is strategic: autonomy in energy generation translates to autonomy in action. In future conflicts, the ability to operate independently of fuel supply chains will be a decisive factor in force projection and sustainability.

This is not an optional capability or a passing trend—it is a core operational requirement for modern warfare. The battlefield of the future demands systems that are resilient, energy-independent, and capable of sustained operations in contested environments. By prioritizing renewable energy integration, we are not only reducing environmental impact but ensuring the long-term viability of our defence capabilities.