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AFRL ENERGY OFFICE

About the AFRL Energy Office

The AFRL Energy Office leads the discovery, development, delivery, and integration of energy and power science & technology for the Department of the Air Force (DAF). Through this work, we enhance operational effectiveness, improve mission readiness, and ensure installation resilience. As the primary integrator of energy efforts across AFRL, we connect research, acquisition, academia, industry, and operational communities to deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of the DAF. Our mission includes execution of the DAF’s Operational Energy and Installation Resilience Program in partnership with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment (SAF/IE).

We organize our work across three core lines of effort that reflect how energy and power challenges shape today’s mission landscape. From maximizing combat capability through operational energy optimization to modernizing flightline equipment and assuring installation energy security and resilience, we accelerate the transition of technologies that deliver measurable impact where it counts. With strong ties across the DoW, we provide a vital link between innovation and implementation—and a clear entry point for those looking to advance the future of Air and Space Force capabilities.

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AFRL/Energy Office Leadership

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Whether you're an industry innovator looking to bring forward energy and power solutions or a government stakeholder exploring pathways to transition emerging capabilities, the AFRL Energy Office is your entry point to action.
 

INDUSTRY

GOVERNMENT

PRIORITIES

The AFRL Energy Office advances energy and power innovation through three core lines of effort: Operational Energy, Advanced Agile Combat Equipment, and Installation Energy. These lines tackle distinct aspects of the DAF’s energy challenge—from maximizing capabilities of aviation and space platforms, to increasing agility in expeditionary operations, to ensuring mission resilience at our installations. Working in alignment with Air Force and Space Force stakeholders and priorities, the LOEs channel energy innovation to sharpen mission readiness today and create lasting capability for the future.

Operational Energy

AFRL Energy operational energy

The Operational Energy line of effort drives efficiency, resilience, and next-generation technology to increase capabilities for aviation and space platforms. In alignment with SAF/IEN and key partners including Air Mobility Command (AMC) and Portfolio Acquisition Executives, this LOE advances solutions that cut fuel consumption and extend mission endurance.

Key examples include aerodynamic drag-reduction technologies, low-cost and high-efficiency solar arrays, and pioneering nuclear tritium power sources. Current work features the implementation of drag reduction devices on key DAF mobility platforms, and the development of a long-life (20+ year) tritium nuclear battery to enable enduring microelectronics and sensors. Together, these initiatives strengthen energy resilience and ensure operational readiness in contested environments.

Advanced Agile Combat Equipment

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The Advanced Agile Combat Equipment line of effort modernizes power and energy solutions for flightline and expeditionary operations. In partnership with SAF/IE, AFMC/A4, and AFLCMC/RO, this LOE delivers deployable, modular, and energy-efficient systems tailored for operations on the tactical edge.

Current priorities include expeditionary wastewater remediation and reuse, autonomous flightline equipment, and deployable liquid hydrogen capabilities. A central effort is a joint DAF/Department of the Army demonstration of a field system that can generate liquid hydrogen on demand, supporting enhanced capabilities for platforms such as small UAS. These advances increase agility, reduce logistical burden, and strengthen the self-sufficiency of forward-deployed forces.

Installation Energy

AFRL Energy installation energy

The Installation Energy line of effort transforms how the DAF uses energy across its installations to enhance resilience, efficiency, and mission assurance. In alignment with SAF/IEE and partners including MAJCOMs and the Air Force Civil Engineering Center (AFCEC), this LOE integrates advanced technologies that harden installations against disruption and ensure reliable mission operations.

Notable advances focus on advanced nuclear power, DC microgrids, and Arctic-capable large-capacity energy storage. A key demonstration is underway to validate an energy storage system designed for extreme Arctic conditions, providing resilient, secure power for critical missions with unique load profiles. These initiatives ensure installations remain operational and ready to support the fight under all conditions.

RECENT PRESS

 
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