Why Energy Security Still Matters Today

Core Insights - Energy security has gained prominence due to geopolitical events, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which led to a global energy crisis and significant price increases in oil and gas [3][6] - The focus on energy security extends beyond geopolitical issues to include reliability and affordability, especially as global electricity demand is expected to rise [4][6] - Nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as a vital component in achieving energy security and climate goals, with a growing number of countries committing to expand nuclear capacity [7][8] Energy Crisis and Response - The invasion of Ukraine resulted in oil prices exceeding $120 per barrel in early 2022, prompting the U.S. to release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in coordination with the International Energy Agency [3] - Prior to the invasion, Russia supplied 50% of the EU's oil imports and over 60% of its natural gas imports, highlighting the EU's vulnerability [3] Future Energy Demand and AI - The demand for electricity is anticipated to grow, driven in part by AI data centers, which may increase pressure on energy prices [4] - The U.S. has experienced flat power demand for two decades, making the expected shift to increased electricity demand significant [4] Nuclear Energy's Role - Nuclear power is viewed as a reliable and carbon-free energy source, essential for meeting both energy security and climate objectives [6][7] - A declaration signed by 31 countries aims to triple nuclear power capacity by 2050, reflecting a renewed focus on nuclear energy as a solution to energy security challenges [7][8] Investment Opportunities - The emerging nuclear renaissance presents compelling growth opportunities for investors, as indicated by the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index (NUKZ), which tracks companies involved in this sector [8]