Renewable energy will enhance the UK’s national security and resilience against sabotage or aggression, energy minister Michael Shanks has said. He argued that widely dispersed wind farms and solar panels are harder to target than large fossil fuel power stations, and are not vulnerable to supply shocks such as those caused by the Russia-Ukraine war.
Speaking from Ukraine, where he visited UK-funded energy projects, Shanks noted that Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure highlight the importance of decentralised clean power. He said the UK can learn from Ukraine’s rapid deployment of solar, wind and batteries, which are more difficult to strike than conventional plants.
Former military leaders have also backed renewables for national security. Retired Lt Gen Richard Nugee stated that low-carbon energy is vital for a resilient homeland and strong military deterrence. This comes as the Conservatives and Reform UK have advocated for more North Sea drilling, though the International Energy Agency’s Fatih Birol advised against new exploration licences, saying existing fields like Rosebank would have little impact on energy security or prices.
Shanks also addressed cybersecurity and physical protection of undersea cables, following suspicions that Russian submarines may have scouted offshore wind farm cables. He confirmed a robust plan is in place, working collectively with Europe. On nuclear power, Shanks stressed that security is central to the UK’s nuclear estate, including small modular reactors.
