The dual-spectrum automatic fire and explosion suppression system developed by Kidde Technologies will protect soldiers and improve the fire safety of combat vehicles. This system was approved as an NDCEE project in FY25.
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An M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle will be equipped with an advanced, environmentally friendly extinguishing agent integrated into its crew’s automatic fire suppression system, demonstrated as part of an NDCEE demonstration project.
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The National Defense Center for Energy and Environment is expected to invest in and demonstrate seven game-changing technology projects in fiscal year 2025. This commitment reinforces NDCEE’s commitment to strengthening the Department of Defense’s capabilities, improving operational efficiency and ensuring regulatory compliance at installations, ranges and weapon systems. These innovative initiatives highlight NDCEE’s role as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable progress within the DoD.
In FY25, NDCEE plans to execute a diverse set of projects aimed at improving performance, improving efficiency, and addressing critical challenges. The projects planned for the demonstration are:
- Manufacturing of coated explosive materials (CXM) via resonant acoustic mixing (RAM): This project aims to revolutionize the production of explosive materials to increase safety and consistency.
- Cobalt and chrome free conversion coatings for cadmium zinc-nickel and low hydrogen embrittlement (LHE) electroplating: This initiative aims to develop environmentally friendly alternatives to hazardous coatings.
- Integration of Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems (AFES) for Dry Chemical Team: This project aims to advance vehicle fire safety through innovative extinguishing technology.
- Materials limiting and stopping fire improving the safety of Li-ion energy storage (FLAME-FREE): This initiative improves the safety of lithium-ion energy storage systems through innovative fire mitigation materials.
- Mitigating Galvanic Corrosion Using Blockade-GC Fastener Coatings: This project addresses corrosion issues to extend the life of critical military assets.
- Small, lightweight vehicle-mounted hybrid auxiliary power unit: This initiative improves vehicle fuel efficiency through cutting-edge hybrid power solutions.
- Validation of the copper-titanium alloy as a replacement for copper-beryllium: This project evaluates safer and more efficient materials for military applications.
The NDCEE, initially created to address pressing environmental issues, has evolved its mission to encompass safety, occupational health and energy technologies. The program’s proactive and strategic approach aligns well with DoD’s broader mission readiness and modernization goals. Through rigorous research, demonstrations and effective technology transition, NDCEE ensures the deployment of robust, sustainable and mission-critical solutions.
By serving as a strategic resource, the NDCEE enables DoD to proactively address environmental, security, and operational challenges. By evaluating and integrating sustainable technologies, NDCEE contributes to a resilient, future-ready defense infrastructure. Projects selected for NDCEE funding come from various DoD agencies and are rigorously validated to ensure operational effectiveness. Successful technologies are transferred for use across DoD departments, federal agencies and the public sector, maximizing their impact.
The NDCEE operates under the direction of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Environment, Occupational Safety, and Health. Program management oversight is provided by the U.S. Army Environmental Command, based at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
The program remains committed to driving innovation and ensuring technical excellence as a key contributor to DoD research and technological advancement efforts. The program’s call for project proposals for FY26 will be open from March 1 to April 1, 2025. For more information, visit the NDCEE website at https://www.denix.osd.mil/ndcee/.