energisäkerhets

Energisäkerhet, or energy security, is the ability of an economy to secure reliable access to sufficient energy at affordable prices, while supporting environmental and social goals. It encompasses the continuity and resilience of energy supply, the stability of energy prices, and the capacity to respond to disruptions. The concept is used at national, regional, and corporate levels.

Dimensions include supply reliability, affordability, and sustainability. Reliability concerns uninterrupted energy flows; affordability relates to price volatility and household and business costs; sustainability involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring long-term resource availability.

Key components: diversified energy mix; robust energy infrastructure (generation, transmission, storage); strategic reserves; cross-border interconnections; demand-side measures and energy efficiency; diversified suppliers; and strong governance, regulation, and emergency planning.

Measurement: energy security is assessed with indicators such as share of imported energy, diversity of energy sources, storage capacity, time to restore supply after a disruption, and resilience planning. Many governments maintain strategic reserves and develop contingency plans.

Policy approaches: diversify fuels and suppliers; invest in infrastructure and grid modernization; create strategic reserves; enhance interconnections and regional markets; promote energy efficiency and demand response; ensure cyber-physical security of critical energy networks; and align energy security with climate and social objectives.

Challenges: the energy transition increases reliance on electricity and critical minerals; geopolitical tensions can disrupt supply; price volatility; aging infrastructure; and growing cyber threats. Continued international cooperation and intelligent policy design are central to maintaining energy security.