Rising electricity use will redefine energy security

Significance

The benefits accruing from a whole system approach to the energy transition bring new energy supply threats, including integrating renewable energy sources, cybersecurity and climate resilience. The focus of energy security will shift from extended international, predominantly maritime, supply chains to domestic and regional electricity networks.

Impacts

• Policies to bolster power system resilience tend to be agreed reactively rather than proactively; lessons may be learned the hard way.
• Opportunities for skilled employees to work in the power sector will rise.
• Clear policies and enhanced planning capabilities will be needed to encourage investment at the scale the power sector will require.
• Inadequate investment in power systems could hold back the energy transition.