The ongoing conflict with Iran and Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure demonstrate that true energy security cannot be achieved while countries remain dependent on fossil fuels, according to an op-ed by US Representative Lloyd Doggett and academic Michael Shank.
They point to Russian drones targeting Ukrainian power stations and Kyiv preparing for another winter of strikes on its energy grid. Centralised, fossil fuel-dependent power plants and grids are described as sitting ducks, highly vulnerable to attack.
The authors argue that decarbonised and decentralised energy systems, using local renewable resources with battery storage, offer a more secure alternative. Ukrainian communities are already making this switch in response to Russian attacks, while Spain's rapid transition to renewables has better insulated it from gas price shocks.
Doggett and Shank stress the need to support frontline countries. They highlight organisations such as EcoAction and Ecoclub, which have helped Ukrainians install solar power, heat pumps and battery storage, and projects like the Hromada Project that connect local NGOs with global support.
The op-ed criticises the Trump administration for hindering renewable development, including stalling onshore wind and repealing tax incentives, while China dominates global markets. The authors conclude that transitioning away from fuels that provoke wars towards local, renewable energy is the path to true freedom and security.
