Washington, DC - Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus hosted an energy innovation roundtable at the National Defense University's Eisenhower School in Washington, D.C., October 14.

The discussion focused on innovation in energy culture and technology. Attendees discussed the progress of energy and what the future holds for energy technologies.

SECNAV unveiled his five energy initiatives in 2009 and has worked to ensure the Navy reduces its dependence on fossil fuel and focuses on renewable energy sources.

"The Navy has always been on the forefront of energy changes," said Mabus. "We're doing it for one reason and that's to be a better fighting force."

Energy is the third largest industry in the United States. The discussion was an opportunity to reinforce how critical energy is to accomplishing our mission. By 2020, the Navy wants 50-percent of its total energy consumption to come from alternative sources.

In May 2014, SECNAV started the Renewable Energy Program Office to identify cost-effective renewable energy projects for DON installations. The Department of the Navy is pursuing renewable energy generation to improve our energy security, operational capability, strategic flexibility and resource availability.

Installing LED lights on installations and ships, using solar panels, windmills and hydrogen power sources are just a few of the steps the Navy has taken to cut spending and conserve energy. Energy conservation and security is a significant step toward meeting the Navy's renewable energy goals. Every dollar saved on energy is a dollar that can be used toward operations and training to ensure our Sailors and equipment remain mission ready.

NRG Energy CEO David Crane praised SECNAV for his energy push and believes the Navy has the ability to lead the nation in energy innovation.

"The Navy is in such a great position to lead the nation by pioneering technologies for energy that can eventually find its way to the private sector," said Crane.

The Navy will continue to develop and participate in energy, environmental and climate change initiatives that will increase use of alternative energy and help conserve the world's resources for future generations.