Import dependency and the energy transition: A new risk field of security of supply?

Abstract

The transition towards renewable energies yields challenges for security of supply, for instance, as regards the need for low-emission backup capacities. This paper explores how the different dimensions of security of supply are affected by the energy transition. In particular, the paper discusses whether the EU’s import dependency with respect to natural gas poses a problem for the transition pathway. Overall, the energy transition implies not only short-term challenges but also long-term synergies for security of supply. Hence, while concerns about security of supply need to be addressed, they do not put the general transition pathway into doubt.