Beyond the obvious: Geopolitik sticht Klimaschutz

Germany's energy transition aims to make the country climate-neutral, but it also seeks to increase energy independence and security. However, simply importing less fuel does not equate to an independent energy supply. The fuel shortage crisis demonstrates that refineries, functional supply chains, and the willingness of other nations to continue supplying us during crises are equally important.

What becomes evident during the diesel crisis is equally applicable to the power system. When plants cannot be built, supplied with replacement parts, or repaired domestically, one remains reliant on others. Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove cautions against a climate policy that overlooks national security. Daniel Stelter frames Dearlove's highly publicized speech at the Global Warming Policy Foundation's annual congress and examines Germany's situation.

For instance, there is still a transformer manufacturing facility, but with very long lead times, and repair expertise exists. Thyssenkrupp's electroband production, however, is at risk. As a consequence of the geopolitical situation, supply security must be a condition of the transformation. Germany must maintain its industrial capabilities, secure critical upstream products, and organize precaution before economic dependence transforms into political blackmail.