Energy transition and national security: Why security of supply must be the focus

The energy transition should not only make Germany climate neutral, but also more independent and safer. But fewer fuel imports are not the same as independent energy supplies. The diesel fuel crisis shows what is also important: refineries, functioning supply chains and the willingness of other countries to continue supplying us in the event of a crisis.

What is visible with diesel also applies to the electricity system. Anyone who can no longer build systems themselves, supply them with spare parts or repair them remains dependent on others. The former head of MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove, therefore warns against a climate policy that loses sight of national security. Daniel Stelter classifies Dearlove's highly acclaimed speech to the annual congress of the Global Warming Policy Foundation and examines the situation in Germany.

For example, we still have existing transformer production, but with very long delivery times, and have repair expertise. Thyssenkrupp's electrical steel production, however, is under threat.

As a consequence of the geopolitical situation, security of supply must be a condition of transformation. Germany must maintain its industrial capabilities, secure critical preliminary products and organize precautionary measures before economic dependence turns into political blackmail.