The UK government says a shift towards renewable energy could strengthen national security and reduce exposure to sabotage. Distributed systems such as wind and solar are seen as less vulnerable than traditional power stations. The position reflects growing concern over geopolitical tensions and recent attacks on energy infrastructure, particularly in Europe. Officials argue that decentralisation, alongside reduced reliance on imported fuels, may offer a more resilient model.
Decentralised Energy Seen as Less Vulnerable to Disruption
Energy minister Michael Shanks has argued that renewable energy systems provide a structural advantage in the face of modern threats. According to reporting from The Guardian, he said widely dispersed wind farms and solar installations are more difficult to target than large fossil fuel plants.
Shanks described the current threat landscape as more complex than in previous decades, noting that decentralisation reduces the risk of a single point of failure. According to him, a system composed of multiple smaller assets limits the impact of any individual attack.
He also linked renewable energy to protection from supply shocks. The article notes that recent global instability, including the Middle East conflict, has led to volatility in oil and gas markets. In that context, domestic renewable generation is presented as a way to reduce exposure to external disruptions.
Support for this position extends beyond government. According to statements cited in the report, military figures including retired Lieutenant General Richard Nugee have argued that low-carbon energy contributes to national resilience. He stated that a strong military deterrent depends in part on a stable and secure domestic infrastructure.
The argument contrasts with calls from some political groups for expanded fossil fuel extraction in the North Sea. According to the same source, Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency has advised against new exploration licences, suggesting that additional fields would have limited impact on energy prices or security.
Lessons from Ukraine Shape UK Energy Resilience Planning
Shanks made these remarks during a visit to Ukraine, where energy infrastructure has been repeatedly targeted during the ongoing conflict. According to his account, the country is rebuilding its system with an emphasis on decentralised and low-carbon technologies.
He said Ukraine’s approach demonstrates how solar, wind, and battery storage can improve resilience, as these systems are harder to disable through coordinated attacks. According to the report, he described the pace of Ukraine’s transition as something he would like to replicate in the UK.
The visit also highlighted vulnerabilities beyond physical infrastructure. Shanks pointed to cybersecurity as a key concern, stating that the government is developing a national plan to address risks across the entire energy system, from grid networks to individual installations.
Attention has also focused on offshore infrastructure. According to the article, the UK has taken steps to secure undersea cables connected to offshore wind farms, amid concerns that Russian activity could pose a threat. Shanks acknowledged that such risks underline the seriousness of the current environment, while maintaining that protective measures are being strengthened in coordination with European partners.
Nuclear energy remains part of the broader strategy. The report notes that concerns about potential attacks on nuclear facilities in Ukraine have raised wider questions, though Shanks stated that the UK’s nuclear assets are highly secure. He added that small modular reactors are expected to contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, with security considerations central to their deployment.
The discussion comes as international attention turns to the transition away from fossil fuels, with dozens of governments meeting in Colombia for a conference focused on this shift. According to the report, the UK is participating through its climate envoy, reflecting the growing link between energy policy and national security.
