SPRU researcher Emily Cox has conducted a thorough analysis of what is meant by the term \u201cenergy security\u201d in the UK. In this policy brief she examines a range of definitions with implications for energy policy.<\/p>\n
Most people, certainly in the UK and other developed countries, can understand that a secure energy system is vital for our day-to-day functionality. The UK government are also often using the term \u201cenergy security\u201d as justification for particular actions or policy direction. ![\"exploring-the-meaning-of-energy-security-in-the-united-kingdom\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/policy-engagement\/files\/2016\/10\/Exploring-the-meaning-of-\u2018energy-security\u2019-in-the-United-Kingdom.jpg\")
However, if asked to define \u201cenergy security\u201d people are likely to provide different answers. Emily sought to find the key factors underpinning the meaning of \u201cenergy security\u201d with a particular focus on the transition to a low-carbon energy system. The data for her analysis is collated from the literature and interviews with 25 UK energy experts from a range of organisations and backgrounds.<\/p>\n
Generally, \u201cenergy security\u201d tends to be used in the context of energy self-sufficiency or dependence on energy sources from unstable regions. The transition to a low-carbon energy system \u2013 where there will be a higher proportion of intermittent renewable sources \u2013 adds a necessary further dimension to the definition of \u201cenergy security”.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
When presented with the range of factors Emily had found in the literature, the energy experts interviewed could not agree on a single most important element, but felt that a range of issues needed to be considered. There was reasonably strong agreement that factors relating to a low-carbon energy system i.e. flexibility and resilience, were very important. Import dependence and constraints on availability of resources were generally seen as a much less important factor for \u201cenergy security\u201d. Some experts also pointed out that measures to improve \u201cenergy security\u201d can have co-benefits in affordability and sustainability too e.g. demand reduction measures.<\/p>\n
In terms of policy implications, Emily\u2019s research finds that \u2013 in order to assess the security of a low-carbon energy system \u2013 broader measures need to be taken ![\"exploring-the-meaning-of-enerecurity-in-the-united-kingdom-cover\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.sussex.ac.uk\/policy-engagement\/files\/2016\/10\/Exploring-the-meaning-of-\u2018enerecurity\u2019-in-the-United-Kingdom-cover-212x300.jpg\")
<\/a>rather than traditional ones e.g. import dependence. The need for investment in infrastructure is going to be a key element in the security of a low-carbon energy system and this requires policy stability and long term planning. Interconnections with the rest of Europe will of course be an example here. There is a concern, in the negotiations following the EU referendum, that \u201cenergy security\u201d may be reduced to its more traditional focus rather than embracing new broader measures appropriate for a low-carbon energy system.<\/p>\n