As we continue to obsess over achieving energy independence, I want to challenge a fundamental assumption that has driven our pursuit of self-sufficiency for decades: that energy independence is even possible. Yes, you read that right – energy independence, a concept that has been the holy grail of energy policy for generations, is, in reality, a pipe dream.
We’ve been sold a bill of goods that our reliance on foreign oil is a national security threat, that domestic energy production is the key to economic prosperity, and that renewable energy can power our entire grid without any help from fossil fuels. But what if I told you that this narrative is based on flawed assumptions and incomplete data? What if I told you that energy independence, as we define it today, is fundamentally unachievable?
Let’s start with the obvious: our energy infrastructure is a complex web of interdependent systems that can’t be easily decoupled. We import oil because our refineries and transportation networks are designed to accommodate it, not because we’re beholden to foreign powers. We rely on natural gas from North America because it’s a convenient and cost-effective option, not because we can’t produce enough at home. And as for renewable energy, while it’s growing rapidly, it still can’t match the scale and reliability of traditional energy sources.
But that’s not the only problem. Our pursuit of energy independence is also based on a narrow definition of energy security. We focus on oil and gas because they’re the most widely used fuels, but we ignore the fact that energy security is about more than just fuel diversity. It’s about resilience, reliability, and affordability – all of which are compromised by our obsession with domestic energy production.
For example, the shale revolution, hailed as a game-changer for American energy independence, has actually led to increased reliance on natural gas, which has in turn driven up prices and emissions. Meanwhile, our investment in renewable energy has been woefully inadequate, leaving us vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and price shocks.
So, what’s the alternative? Instead of pursuing energy independence, we should focus on energy interdependence – working with our international partners to develop a global energy system that’s more resilient, more efficient, and more sustainable. This means investing in energy storage, grid modernization, and international cooperation to ensure that energy is available, affordable, and accessible to all.
It’s time to rethink our approach to energy policy and acknowledge that energy independence is a myth. By embracing interdependence, we can create a more secure, more sustainable, and more equitable energy future – one that’s based on collaboration, not competition.
