MCLEAN, Va. — U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus introduced sweeping changes to the service’s energy policy at the Office of Naval Research’s Naval Energy Forum here Oct. 14.

Citing the United States’ propensity for “bold steps,” Mabus listed five so-called energy targets he proposes the Navy meet in the next decade. He put some of the onus for reform on industry, noting the Navy and Marine Corps will change the way contracts are awarded.

The lifetime energy cost of building and powering a system will be mandatory elements of future awards, as will a company’s own commitment to energy efficiency. “We want industry to partner to produce energy-efficient products and to produce them in energy-efficient ways,” Mabus said.

Mabus also introduced the idea of a Great Green Fleet, a green strike group comprising nuclear vessels, surface combatants equipped with hybrid electric systems operating on biofuels and aircraft powered solely by biofuel. The strike group would set sail as soon as 2016.

By 2015, Mabus would like the Navy to reduce petroleum use in its 50,000-vehicle fleet by half, and by 2020 he wants the service to fulfill at least half of its shore-based energy requirements with alternative sources. Mabus noted that China Lake Naval Air Station, Calif., already generates 20 times the power load of the base.

Most importantly, Mabus said, “I’m asking all of us to meet an ambitious goal.” By 2020, he wants half of the total energy consumption for all ships, aircraft, tanks, vehicles, installations, etc., to come from alternative sources. “Right now I’m told 40 percent is a more realistic goal,” Mabus said. “But our Navy and Marine Corps have never backed away from a challenge.”