We don't know what will happen in the future. We are again living in volatile times. There are conflicts that could spread far and wide. World powers continually jostle and test each other.

Anything Can Happen

After World War 1, people thought it would never happen again. There would not be another war like that. How wrong they were, just round the corner was an even more deadly and destructive world war! People today think the same thing, " it'll never happen again".

Government's First Priority Is Defence

For every government defence considerations are top priority. That definitely includes energy security. You can not run a military defence without fuel. In the UK for example, some people are more concerned with the environment than with defence. I think that the government in that country is right to keep issuing as many licences as it can sell to get the most from the last of their fossil fuel industry. They will be able to obtain a large tax on these licences. A tax that can be invested in new industries like renewables. Help for new businesses to flourish, providing new jobs to replace the highly paid oil rig work.

This Feels Like Energy Security.

Energy Security Is A Big Part Of Defence

Having a healthy oil industry in a country also provides energy security in times of defence. Since in the example of the UK again, their oil is produced by private companies, these companies can decide to where and to whom they want to sell. During peace times, the oil and gas can and is sold to open markets distributing around the world. Some will find it's way to the refineries in the UK. In times of trouble a country could firmly persuade the oil companies to sell to them only, instead of exporting. So, yes, this feels like energy security. In peace times, there is no need for energy security but there is a need for an established industry that can supply a defence force if the worst happens.

About The Author
Richard Johnson
Chewells Contributor

Richard is one of our main oil industry contributors. He likes fast cars, motor boats and... »

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Replies

• Richard (Feb 16, 2024)
  The future is unknown. In this time we have leaders with massive egos in charge of powerful countries. Playing games with millions of people.
• Yorky (Feb 7, 2024)
  There have been several extinction events in Earth's history that have wiped out the dominant species group, but we will be the first species to bring it upon ourselves.
• Richard Johnson (Feb 1, 2024)
  The environment is getting steadily effected due to human activity, but it isn't going to fall off a cliff and we all quickly die. We could do if under attack. Defence first and let's try to save the planet best we can at the same time.
• Mary (Jan 27, 2024)
  We will not have a country to defend if we keep burning oil.

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