IFE is a key player in the efforts towards energy-independent military camps in Europe.

Publisert: 7. February 2025

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Tine Uberg Nærland
Research Director

Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) has been a partner in the European defense project INDY – Energy Independent and Energy Efficient Military Camps, which recently marked its final milestone at the fifth and concluding partner meeting in Brussels. Supported by the European Defence Fund (EDF), the project has worked to enhance energy security and reduce the carbon footprint of European military operations.

A Greener Future for the Defense Sector

The INDY project has brought together 20 partners and 9 subcontractors from 13 European countries to develop solutions that make military camps more energy self-sufficient.

IFE has contributed its expertise in hydrogen, solar energy, and Arctic conditions, playing a key role in developing technologies that can reduce fuel dependency and emissions in the defense sector.

“The INDY project has been a great success for IFE, strengthening our collaboration with European defense and research organizations. It has opened doors to new and exciting projects and initiatives, and we have successfully brought together Norwegian experts and companies to drive the development of dual-use technologies and contribute to a stronger and more sustainable European defense,” says Tine Uberg Nærland, Research Director at IFE.

Throughout the project, various scenarios for future military camps have been analyzed, adapted to different climatic and operational conditions. The results indicate that by 2030, these camps could achieve:

  • 35–55% energy autonomy
  • Up to 45% reduction in logistical burden
  • Up to 28% lower ownership costs
  • 40–80% reduction in carbon footprint

IFE has contributed to the development of energy solutions that integrate solar energy, battery storage, hydrogen, and smart microgrid systems. This lays the foundation for net-zero-emission military camps by 2050.

Civil-Military Cooperation for Technological Development

The project has also demonstrated how the defense and civilian sectors can collaborate on technological advancements. Through participation in the INDY End-User Advisory Board, European defense ministries have helped shape solutions that can be used in both military and civilian crisis situations.

IFE will continue to develop solutions and projects that strengthen Norway’s defense capabilities and promote European cooperation for more sustainable, efficient, and self-sufficient military operations.

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