Energy independence is a vital goal for nations seeking to enhance their energy security, promote economic growth, and reduce environmental impact.
What is Energy Independence?
Energy independence refers to a state’s or nation’s ability to meet its energy needs without relying on external sources.
It involves developing and utilizing indigenous energy resources to reduce dependence on imported fuels, enhancing energy security, and promoting economic growth.
Energy dependence, in general, refers to mankind’s general dependence on either primary or secondary energy for energy consumption (fuel, transport, automation, etc.). In a narrower sense, it may describe the dependence of one country on energy resources from another country.
Techniques For Energy Independence
Renewable energy
Renewable energy is found to be an efficient way to ensure energy independence and security. It also supports the transition to a low carbon economy and society.
A study found that transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy systems reduces risks from mining, trade and political dependence because renewable energy systems don’t need fuel – they depend on trade only for the acquisition of materials and components during construction
Nuclear power
Several countries are conducting extensive research and development programs around renewable energy sources like solar, wind, water, and nuclear energy in hopes to achieve energy independence. However, because solar, wind, and water cannot always be derived as an energy source, nuclear energy is seen as a near-universal alternative that is efficient, safe, and combats the climate crisis.
Under the conceived notion that the expansion of and investment in nuclear energy power plants is a key step in the goal of achieving energy independence many countries, and companies, are supporting nuclear power research efforts.
Benefits of Energy Independence:
- Reduced reliance on imports: Decreasing dependence on foreign oil and gas.
- Improved energy security: Enhancing the reliability and stability of energy supply.
- Economic benefits: Creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and increasing GDP.
- Environmental benefits: Reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner energy sources.
- Increased energy diversity: Encouraging the development of renewable energy sources.
- Improved energy efficiency: Promoting sustainable energy practices and technologies.
- Enhanced energy sovereignty: Empowering nations to make their own energy decisions.
Energy independence is being attempted by large or resource-rich and economically-strong countries.
it is so far an idealized status that at present can be only approximated by non-sustainable exploitation of a country’s (non-renewable) natural resources.
Another factor in reducing dependence is the addition of renewable energy sources to the energy mix. Usually, a country relies on local and global energy renewable and non-renewable resources, a mixed-model solution that presumes various energy sources and modes of energy transfer between countries like electric power transmission, oil transport (oil and gas pipelines and tankers), etc.