Energy Efficient Propulsion Systems Collaboration Event (CE)

Purpose

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) HSWERX pilot innovation hub, a partnership between the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and DEFENSEWERX (DWX), in collaboration with the Office of Mission and Capability Support (MCS) Maritime Safety and Security (MSS) Program, will host a Collaboration Event (CE) to identify needs and define requirements for an alternative energy source for maritime vessels for DHS mariners and customers. During this open forum, participants from government, industry, academia, and national laboratories will consider specific challenge areas and develop potential paths forward with actionable plans for implementation. ‍

Objective

The MSS Program is interested in identifying current and emerging alternative energy (AE) high-reliability propulsion systems to enable DHS components to enforce maritime border security while transitioning to low and zero-emission vessels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The transition from fossil fuel-based propulsion systems to AE solutions will align DHS with executive orders and directives across the U.S. government to reduce reliance on fossil fuel energy sources while maintaining mission capabilities to enforce international trade law, safeguard the maritime transportation system, maintain U.S. waterways and maritime resources, and interdict illegal activities in the maritime environment, such as smuggling and human trafficking.  

Background

The MSS Program is interested in AE propulsion systems for maritime vessels on behalf of DHS components, including, but not limited to, the following:  

• Full electric battery
• Hybrid Technologies
• Hydrogen Fuel Cell
• Solar Electric
• Nuclear Technologies
  

The AE propulsion systems will have scalable solutions (address different vessel sizes) and power requirements for efficient use of energy.  For ideal power requirements, the vessels will have relatively low Energy Efficiency Design Index indicating efficient use of energy and low and zero emissions. There should also be consideration on how DHS can transition to new infrastructure for refueling or recharging of the AE propulsion systems of these vessels.

Why You Should Participate

The Collaboration Event is designed to provide insights to ensure that potential partners understand the problem set(s) fully and to increase the likelihood of matching their technologies with end user needs. This CE is also an opportunity for attendees to network and form partnerships that may provide a more comprehensive solution.  

Following the CE, a subsequent Assessment Event (AE) may be initiated to analyze innovative solutions.

Event Timeline

September 6, 2023 Collaboration Event (CE)

‍HSWERX will host the CE with government, industry, academic, and laboratory partners focused on how to solve DHS needs for an Alternative Energy solution for DHS maritime vessels. Outcomes from the June 28th Government Only CE, such as problem statements, will be used to inform attendees of government’s top priorities. Prior to the event, participants should review the Read-Ahead to learn about government’s top priorities and prepare for discussions and feedback, as well as offer suggestions on current and future technologies that may address the problem statements. During this event, government end users will interact with participants to develop potential courses of action for near, mid, and long-term solutions.

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