JUST IN: Faced with the energy crisis, accelerate the ecological transition
Middle East Escalation: Global Energy Crisis Deepens
By International Desk
U.S.-Israeli War on Iran Enters New Phase
As the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran enters its third week, the scenario of a short, limited crisis with no major impact on the global energy market has rapidly collapsed.
The Israeli strikes, which hit the world’s largest liquefied natural gas production site in Qatar on Thursday, March 19, prompted a response from Tehran, marking a new stage in the ongoing escalation.
Beyond the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, described by Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, as:
“the greatest threat to global energy security in all history,”
the destruction of production facilities and strategic transport capacities is increasing. Repairs will take time, sometimes years, and oil and gas prices are likely to remain high for an extended period, far beyond initial expectations.
Energy Shock Unlike the Ukraine Crisis
However, this shock is not a repeat of the crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the forced withdrawal of Russian gas. There is no immediate risk of shortage at this stage. Unlike in 2022, France now has a largely nuclear and renewable electricity production base, which is fully operational.
“The absence of supply disruptions should not mask the essentials. The structural vulnerability of our economies to imported crises persists and is now expressed in price volatility, strategic uncertainty, and weakening industrial chains,” the editorial emphasizes.
Urgency of the Energy Transition
Developing energy efficiency, low-carbon local production, and deliberate sobriety is the most effective way to protect against inevitable geopolitical shocks.
“This crisis must be seized as an opportunity to accelerate the ecological transition, not as a pretext to postpone it.”
The third multi-annual energy program, presented in February, established the country’s energy roadmap, while awaiting the announcement of a major electrification plan in the spring. The Middle East crisis only reinforces the urgency of its implementation.
Dependence on Imports and National Sovereignty
Oil and gas represent tens of billions of euros in imports. Breaking this dependence is a matter of sovereignty, as well as climate responsibility.
“The mistake would be to respond to this situation with generalized fossil fuel subsidies, as in 2022. At the time, the emergency justified massive price shields. Today, France no longer has the budgetary means, and Europe cannot subsidize its dependence indefinitely.”
Every public euro must be directed to measures that structurally reduce fossil fuel consumption: thermal renovation of buildings, electrification of uses, and support for low-carbon industrial sectors. Targeted aid for exposed professions must remain temporary and conditional.
Long-Term Choices Trump Short-Term Solutions
With the presidential election approaching, the temptation for short-term and populist solutions is growing. But the current crisis underscores a crucial point:
“Energy sovereignty, economic stability, and ecological transition cannot be decreed in an emergency. They are built together, through long-term, coherent, and deliberate choices. It’s time to roll up our sleeves.”
Analysis and Perspective:
Understanding these events is crucial for anyone following international affairs closely.
As the situation continues to evolve, analysts are closely watching for further developments.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to unfold.
Source: This article was originally published in another language by International : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr. and has been translated and adapted for our global English-speaking audience. Read the original article here.