Energy Security is National Security

Protecting energy sources has been an essential part of national security in this globally interconnected economy. There is a global energy crisis triggered by geopolitical tensions. There have been voices warning that a more focused approach to utilizing sustainable energy is needed. The current crisis should be taken as a warning for even bigger crises in the future, and it is really time to start developing action plans for alternative energy sources. 

There is a weaponization of oil, as evidenced by the current discussions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the struggle to gain control over the Strait or simply to allow ships to pass. This has not only affected oil prices but also generated fear across the globe about securing food supply chains, manufacturing, and national defense. 

Unlike fossil fuels, which require protection of vulnerable maritime shipping lanes, renewable sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal can be harnessed domestically. This transition offers more than environmental benefits; it provides strategic autonomy. Yet, in a global economy governed by bottom lines, the shift requires more than just moral high ground. It requires tangible incentives. While frameworks like feed-in tariffs and carbon trading exist, their efficacy is in question. 

For example, depending on the administration, policies on renewable energy are bound to change, and this volatility does not sit well with the private sector, which is already hesitant about the stability of transitioning to alternative sources. Even if developing the infrastructure for the future involves huge investments that do not guarantee an immediate return, in the long term, it is inevitable that we move toward renewable energy. Therefore, it is preferable to add momentum to such efforts. 

In addition, about 30 percent of energy consumption is for individual direct use, including fueling cars. To reduce this consumption, there was a move toward EVs, but this was hampered by the limited number of charging stations and instances of EVs catching fire. Charging stations need to be more accessible, and there needs to be reassurance that EVs are a safe option for drivers. 

The transition to renewable energy needs to occur at both the individual and institutional levels. We should stay open to alternatives, even if they come with a slight initial inconvenience, and there is a need for policies that offer substantial, long-term incentives for the private sector to utilize renewable sources.