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U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Purdue University President Mitch Daniels have signed a statement of cooperation between the Department of the Navy and Purdue University, agreeing to further develop and strengthen an existing research relationship aimed at enhancing and implementing alternative energy resources.

As Secretary of the Navy, Mabus has made energy and energy security a priority. Upon assuming office in 2009, he set an aggressive goal for the Department of the Navy aimed at ensuring that, by no later than 2020, the Navy and Marine Corps would obtain at least 50 percent of their energy from alternative sources. To accomplish this goal, he has directed the Department of the Navy to change the way they use, produce and acquire energy.

Purdue is home to the Energy Center in Discovery Park. The center leads interdisciplinary research efforts in advancing alternative energy sources and approaches.