Energy Security Amid Iran-Israel Conflict: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of the Current Conflict and Global Energy Security

A fragile ceasefire currently holds between Iran and Israel; however, the recent escalation in their conflict has brought global energy security into sharp focus. In retaliation to US attacks on its nuclear facilities, Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global energy supplies.

This potential closure risks disrupting access to fossil fuels worldwide, potentially causing energy prices to surge. Approximately 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas and nearly 27% of its crude oil transit through this narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.

Experts emphasize that transitioning away from fossil fuels is essential not only for climate action but also for enhancing energy security. Locally produced renewable energy offers a stable power supply amid geopolitical tensions, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.

Understanding Energy Security and Its Importance

Energy security, defined by the International Energy Agency (IEA), refers to uninterrupted access to affordable energy. Energy is fundamental to modern economies, supporting manufacturing, transportation, communication, education, and agriculture.

Disruptions in energy supply can halt industries, impede essential services such as healthcare, and threaten national security by affecting military operations. Historical events like the 1970s oil crises and the 2022 energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have exposed vulnerabilities in energy systems, underscoring the need for resilient and sustainable energy solutions.

• SDG 7 emphasizes ensuring access to reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) also relate to energy security’s role in economic and social stability.

Renewables as a Stable Alternative to Fossil Fuels

The Iran-Israel conflict highlights the global dependence on oil imports. According to the UK-based energy think tank Ember, 79% of the world’s population resides in oil-importing countries, with 62 countries sourcing all their oil externally. Ninety nations, including Spain, South Korea, Germany, Turkey, and India, depend on imports for over 80% of their oil needs.

Such dependence creates energy security risks amid unstable global trade and geopolitical tensions, leading to price volatility. Renewable energy offers a more stable and secure alternative by generating power domestically or from neighboring countries, thus reducing exposure to external shocks.

1. Renewables contribute to diversified power supply, enhancing system resilience.
2. They reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets.
3. Support SDG 7 by promoting clean and affordable energy access.

Promoting Homegrown Energy Sources

Research from the International Monetary Fund indicates that many fossil fuel-producing countries have become politically unstable and less democratic over recent decades. This situation increases the risks associated with relying on imported fossil fuels.

Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, stresses the importance of securing energy from multiple sources, routes, and companies to enhance energy security. This approach aligns with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by reducing geopolitical risks.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that reducing fossil fuel dependency increases energy security. Europe’s accelerated deployment of homegrown renewable energy now accounts for 47% of its electricity mix, demonstrating progress towards SDG 7 and SDG 13: Climate Action.

Risks and Challenges in the Clean Energy Transition

The transition to clean energy involves expanding localized renewables and electrification, as exemplified by China. Ember estimates that increasing electric vehicles, heat pumps, and renewable energy could reduce fossil fuel imports globally by 70%.

• Electric vehicles could replace 33% of imported oil.
• Wind and solar power could save an additional 23% of imports.
• 92% of the global population can meet over ten times their energy needs with renewables.

However, challenges remain:

• Intermittency of renewables, as highlighted by the April blackout in Spain and Portugal, raises concerns about grid stability. Investigations attribute the blackout to planning and technical faults rather than renewable energy excess.
• Advanced solutions such as grid infrastructure investment and energy storage can mitigate intermittency risks, supporting SDG 9.
• Dependence on metals and minerals for renewable infrastructure may create new import dependencies. Environmental pollution from mining activities, such as nickel extraction for electric vehicle batteries, poses sustainability challenges.
• Stricter regulations, improved monitoring, and cleaner extraction technologies are essential to minimize environmental impacts, aligning with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 15: Life on Land.

Conclusion

The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict underscores the critical importance of energy security and the need to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. This transition supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals by promoting affordable, reliable, sustainable energy, enhancing economic resilience, and mitigating climate change risks. Addressing challenges related to renewable intermittency and resource extraction is vital to ensure a just and sustainable energy future.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article discusses energy security, the transition from fossil fuels to renewables, and the importance of homegrown renewable energy sources.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action – The need to transition away from fossil fuels to reduce climate impact is emphasized.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Investments in grid infrastructure and energy storage to support renewable energy are mentioned.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article highlights environmental pollution related to mining metals for renewable technologies and the need for stricter regulations and cleaner technologies.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The geopolitical tensions and conflicts affecting energy security are discussed.
6. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Energy security’s role in supporting industries and economic stability is noted.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 7 Targets:
   • 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
   • 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 13 Targets:
   • 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. SDG 9 Targets:
   • 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
4. SDG 12 Targets:
   • 12.4: Achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
   • 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
5. SDG 16 Targets:
   • 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
6. SDG 8 Targets:
   • 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 7:
   • 7.1.1: Proportion of population with access to electricity.
   • 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.
   • 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP.
   • Percentage of electricity generated from renewables (e.g., Europe’s 47% renewable electricity mix).
   • Reduction in fossil fuel imports as a percentage of total energy consumption.
2. Indicators related to SDG 13:
   • 13.2.1: Number of countries that have communicated the establishment or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which increases resilience to climate change.
3. Indicators related to SDG 9:
   • 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added.
   • Investment in grid infrastructure and energy storage capacity.
4. Indicators related to SDG 12:
   • 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment.
   • Monitoring of environmental pollution from mining activities.
5. Indicators related to SDG 16:
   • 16.1.4: Proportion of population that feel safe walking alone around the area they live.
   • 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services.
6. Indicators related to SDG 8:
   • 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: dw.com