'Energy security' is being used to justify more fossil fuels – but this will only make us less secure

THE UK government is about to host a summit with the International Energy Agency (IEA) on the future of energy security. It does so as the world grapples with war, geopolitical realignments and trade barriers, against a backdrop of accelerating climate upheavals.

- FREDDIE DALEY & PETER NEWELL, UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX

One of the expected outcomes of this summit is a new, agreed definition of what constitutes energy security in the 21st century.

Common understandings of energy security have focused on making supplies reliable and affordable, with less attention paid to ensuring sources of energy are sustainable and less volatile over the mediumand long-term. This neglect compromises our collective security.

The IEA's 31 member countries and 13 associates include most of the world's most powerful states. Its influence means that this new definition of energy security will be used to inform government policies and investment decisions around the world.

Given the cost of energy infrastructure, and the lengthy time it takes to build these projects, this definition is set to shape our future, economically and climatically.

But there is a very real risk that this definition will open the door to further investments into fossil fuel production under the guise of energy security.

After Russia invaded Ukraine, governments rushed to cut their reliance on Russian fossil fuels. This caused major disruptions as prices spiked and millions were pushed into energy poverty.