Energy insecurity is changing the case for renewables, with Vegard Vollset

Let’s Talk Energy and examine how concerns about the security and affordability of fossil fuels due to the war in the Middle East are impacting the adoption of renewables. As we tape this on Monday, April 13, the world is in the middle of an energy crisis – at least for fossil fuels. Prices for oil have jumped 40% or more, while prices for LNG in Europe and Asia are up more than 50% from pre-war levels, often dragging up electricity prices as well. The situation has led many to argue that importing countries should build out domestic renewable energy capacity to insulate themselves from future oil and gas shocks. But in some places, secure and affordable energy could look like a chunk of coal from a domestic mine rather than an imported solar panel, and the same inflation and high interest rates that are already squeezing consumers can make renewables more expensive as well.  What does today’s fossil fuel crisis mean for the adoption of renewable energy and the pace of the energy transition?  Which countries should we look to as bellwethers of how the world might be responding, and why?  Do the pressures – and corresponding responses – that we are experiencing today change our longer-term thinking about the energy system of tomorrow?  Related Analysis Gas spike after Middle East strikes lifts European power prices (available to non-clients)  Energy Storage Outlook: The expanding role of BESS in global energy systems​ (available to non-clients)  Gas spike after Middle East strikes lifts European power prices (clients only) Commodities, curtailment and profitability the three key challenges for solar in 2026 (clients only) Related Episodes Middle East escalation and the scramble for LNG, with Sindre Knutsson How will Middle East conflict impact energy and the economy? With Claudio Galimberti Could Middle East conflict break energy supply chains? With Matthew Fitzsimmons Who will make money in the energy industry in 2026? Let’s Talk Energy is a Rystad Energy Production.    Produced by Elliot Busby & Både Og.    Executive producers: Noah Brenner, Elliot Busby, Evodie Fleury-Greaker & Erik Means.    Follow us on:   LinkedIn    YouTube    Instagram    X