RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Researchers at the School of Mines & Technology are looking for ways to convert battlefield waste into energy.

The Rapid City school received a $4.8 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to develop technologies that reduce the need for fuel and water to be delivered and lower the amount of solid waste that must be removed from bases.

Besides conserving water, liquid and gas, fuels from base waste could be used or converted into electricity, heat and other forms of energy.

The school says researchers already have done work that will help them deliver commercial prototypes, which are required for the project.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More From KXRB