The looming climate crisis has intensified the urgency of decarbonizing energy supplies. While renewables offer an attractive path to net-zero targets, recent global events have shown the renewable supply is far from sufficient to meet the growing demand. The Russia-Ukraine conflict significantly increased energy prices, forcing many countries to turn to fossil fuels to ensure energy security and stability.
By bringing energy security to the forefront and highlighting vulnerabilities in the global energy system, the conflict demonstrated some of the challenges that will come with the green transition. “Successful sustainable strategies must consider security alongside technological and economic factors,” says KAPSARC’s Fateh Belaïd, whose recent study found that while renewable energy is a vital part of the green transition, it will not be enough to address energy needs1.
“The green transition is not just an environmental imperative but also a matter of energy security and economic stability.”
Fateh Belaïd
“The situation demonstrated that the green transition is not just an environmental imperative but also a matter of energy security and economic stability. It highlighted the need for a balanced approach that addresses immediate energy needs while continuing to invest in and transition towards sustainable energy sources,” Belaïd adds.
“The transition’s success depends on technological advancements, policy choices, and managing the interplay between these energy sources to balance immediate security needs with long-term sustainability goals,” explains Belaïd.
The goal should be to develop an energy system that meets climate targets and is resilient to the variable supply of renewables and, ideally, to external shocks. This requires flexible policies to manage demand and encourage the use and development of technologies such as batteries, nuclear power, and hydrogen fuel.
“Energy efficiency must be a key focus, with particular attention to supporting poorer communities for an inclusive transition,” says Belaïd. “Strategies should aim to ensure climate sustainability, climate equity, and energy security.”
Reference
Belaïd, F.; Al-Sarihi, A.; Al-Mestneer, R., Balancing climate mitigation and energy security goals amid converging global energy crises: The role of green investments. Renewable Energy 205, 534-542, 2023. | Article
