Energy self-sufficiency in the age of shocks

Repeated geopolitical shocks, including conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, have renewed the global push for energy self sufficiency. Traditional reliance on oil and gas that need to pass through war zones like the Strait of Hormuz is increasingly risky, making electrification and renewable energy central to energy security. However, electrification introduces dependence on critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and rare earths. China is leading investment through large scale renewables and vertically integrated supply chains, while the US balances shale production with clean energy...