The Importance of U.S. Energy Independence and Security

The recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz highlights a critical point: the United States must not depend on foreign entities for its energy needs. Be it fossil fuels, nuclear energy, or renewables, reliance can be precarious. Global instability can ripple through, affecting American workers and the economy.

President Trump has focused on restoring American energy dominance to reduce dependence on abroad sources. In his first term, policies transformed the U.S. into a net energy exporter. Now, there’s a push to bolster domestic production and grid resilience.

The U.S. has plenty of energy resources on its own. Utilizing all sources, including solar power, is crucial. Solar energy’s role is significant in the competition with China, which is aggressively moving to dominate global solar manufacturing and battery supply chains. Any lapse in U.S. leadership in solar energy risks dependence on Beijing.

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that the stored electricity from solar energy can be used at any time, even “after the sun has set,” providing “an insurance policy for sunshine.”

Solar power is not only affordable but rapidly deployable, allowing the U.S. to enhance capacity swiftly. For national security, it is essential that the U.S. retains an advantage in this sector.

China, along with Iran-aligned adversaries, is increasing energy production to gain leverage over U.S. economic security. A Time report mentions current methods to weaponize energy, like control over infrastructure and supply chains. Hence, the U.S. must ensure control over its supply by boosting domestic production from all sources.

To modernize U.S. manufacturing, diversifying supply chains and increasing domestic production of rare-earth metals, crucial for renewable technologies, is necessary. Currently, China manages a large share of global rare-earth mining and processing.

Lithium is vital for electric vehicles and advanced battery technologies. Onshoring lithium production would enhance U.S. economic strength and global leadership.

Finally, modernizing the energy grid is essential to prevent vulnerabilities from centralized power sources. A diversified grid is more resilient in crises. President Trump’s efforts to fortify the national grid and enhance domestic energy production exemplify this approach.

The U.S. is a net producer of oil and natural gas, supporting an industry that employs roughly 11 million Americans. Importing abundant domestic resources is unnecessary. Domestic production ensures economic stability and national security.

Ambassador Robert O’Brien served as the 27th United States National Security Advisor and currently sits on the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board. The views expressed here are his own.