Reimagining European energy security : towards a whole-of-system approach

The EU must remove dependencies from its energy system to ensure energy security. It currently remains too reliant on imported fossil fuels which give external powers excessive control over its energy supply. A generation system powered by Europe's own natural resources would remove this dependency. A renewables-based system has additional security benefits. It democratises energy generation and encourages a decentralised grid system which strengthens resilience. It is also resistant to disruptions in supply, while being more cost-competitive than fossil fuels. A secure and independent energy system requires extensive interconnection and demand-side management. A web of interconnected renewable energy sources, combined with reactive demand, helps solve the intermittency problem, thereby ensuring energy security.