NATO Backs Renewables; U.S. Objects

Politico reports that NATO is publicly backing renewables as an integral part of the alliance’s security as the fallout from the Iran War continues to disrupt fossil fuel imports. A NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence (ESCE) report from earlier this year underscored the importance for allied militaries of diversifying away from imported oil products, particularly in forward and remote operating bases. 

The war in Iran has already called into question whether allies within NATO have enough jet fuel for their fighters and other aircraft essential to maintaining high readiness and national security.

Politico quotes the ESCE:

“Until today, military camps have been operated with diesel generators, which are reliable and powerful, but pose considerable logistical challenges as well as environmental disadvantages… In the future, extensive electrification of camp systems and greatly increased use of renewable energy sources are anticipated.”

NATO vs EU

The ESCE report notes how NATO and the EU have failed to coordinate interests in preparing for a future crisis of this sort. The EU leads a more piecemeal approach to its energy security, encumbered by political divisions between its members. 

The takeaway: when things go south, the military alliance goes pragmatic. The political alliance goes political.

Drill, baby, drill

The elephant in the room? The U.S., NATO’s most powerful member. Striving for renewable energy independence angers the Trump administration. That will be the biggest hurdle for the alliance’s 31 other members. 

Read the original piece here: “NATO backs renewables as solution to energy security, despite US skepticism.”

Access the full NATO ESCE report here.