Energy security refers to the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price. It is the association between national security and the availability of natural resources for energy consumption. Energy security has many aspects, including long-term energy security, which mainly deals with timely investments to supply energy in line with economic developments and environmental needs, and short-term energy security, which focuses on the ability of the energy system to react promptly to sudden changes in the supply-demand balance.
Threats to a nations energy security include natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, and new and emerging threats related to the ongoing digitalization of energy systems. Long-term measures to increase energy security center on reducing dependence on any one source of imported energy, increasing the number of suppliers, exploiting native fossil fuel or renewable energy resources, and reducing overall demand through energy conservation measures.
The energy sector consists of thousands of electricity, oil, and natural gas assets that are geographically dispersed and connected by systems and networks. Protecting and improving the resiliency of the energy sector in the face of both manmade and natural disasters is an ongoing effort that requires continued vigilance, contingency planning, and training. The Department of Energys Office of Cybersecurity Energy Security and Emergency Response (CESER) provides technical expertise to help ensure the security, resiliency, and survivability of key energy assets and critical energy infrastructure at home and abroad.
