State intervention in energy sector needs long-term strategy

Many of the policy measures introduced over the past year are piecemeal responses to the fundamental challenges of energy insecurity and climate change

The role of the State in energy supply will likely expand further to address the investment gap when it comes to generating renewable energy, with Governments becoming the main source of capital. Picture: Eamonn Farrell

Although uncertainty prevails in today’s global energy market, one thing has become clear: Governments are reasserting their central role.

The motive is pragmatic rather than ideological, and the details vary from one country to another, but the trend is unmistakable.