In a recent address to the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. administration launched a direct challenge to the global clean energy transition, dismissing renewable sources with unsubstantiated claims and actively promoting a fossil fuel agenda on the world stage. This stance is not merely rhetorical; it is being operationalized through policy. The U.S. has moved to penalize nations supporting international climate agreements, such as those targeting emissions from the shipping industry, while simultaneously striking trade deals that hinge on foreign purchases of American oil and gas.
Meanwhile, a growing global opposition is forming in response as nations now treat renewable energy as a linchpin of national security, not merely an environmental goal. This shift is evident in initiatives like the European Union's REPowerEU plan, designed explicitly to break its dependence on Russian fossil fuels. Similarly, Chinese President Xi Jinping has recently committed to cutting the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, urging other developing countries to follow suit. These actions signal a fundamental convergence: a nation's security and resilience are now inextricably linked to its energy choices and its commitment to a stable climate.
Trying to navigate this energy realignment, governments are facing significant hurdles, from financing massive infrastructure projects to developing new technologies. To overcome these challenges, many are leveraging a powerful solution: participation of private companies. By attracting capital and borrowing technologies for domestic solar, wind, and other clean energy projects, nations can rapidly reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels and build self-reliant power grids. This strategy strengthens national security by boosting energy sovereignty, while simultaneously fulfilling environmental pledges, as evidenced by several global initiatives.
The green gold rush in Egypt
The first case concerns Egypt, a nation whose development is tethered to the Nile's hydropower and its own fossil fuels. Currently, the country remains heavily reliant on natural gas, with renewables like solar, wind, and hydropower accounting for a mere 11.5% of its electricity generation. This existing system is being tested by a growing population and frequent power outages, exacerbated by financial constraints and declining domestic gas production. Compounding the energy insecurity is the climate vulnerability, with extreme heat, water scarcity, and rising sea levels posing a threat to the populous Nile Delta. This dual crisis of energy instability and environmental risk has compelled the Egyptian government to act, leading its petroleum ministry to set an ambitious target of 40% renewable energy by 2040—a move designed to secure the nation's energy independence and uphold its climate commitments.
Egypt's renewable energy transition is just beginning, but its massive scale has already been dubbed a "green gold rush." The country is targeting 12 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2026, and more expected to come driven by a pipeline of new megaprojects. A bellwether project is the Suez Wind Project, a €1 billion initiative slated for completion in 2027. Developed by global B-Corp investor Meridiam in partnership with Hassan Allam Utilities and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the project is committed to stringent environmental and social standards. Upon completion, the wind farm is projected to generate 4,111 GWh of electricity annually—powering over one million Egyptian homes with clean, reliable energy. Once up and running, it will cut CO₂ emissions by approximately 1.71 million tons each year, bolstering Egypt's energy security and its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the Suez Wind Project is a strategic national security asset, formally recognized as such by the Egyptian government through its award of a Golden License. This status underscores its role in fortifying the country's energy independence. As Kevin Kariuki of the African Development Bank noted, the project is pivotal for Egypt to reach its 2030 renewable energy target while simultaneously boosting local economies and strengthening regional energy security. The choice of partner was also critical in this regard as Meridiam specializes in long-term infrastructure designed to meet a nation's core needs. For Egypt, this aligns with a broader ambition to become a regional energy exporter. Planned electrical interconnections to Asia and Europe hinge on a massive expansion of reliable domestic generation. The Suez Wind Project, built to last, provides exactly that—a stable, clean power source that secures Egypt's energy future at home and its economic influence abroad.
Rewiring energy security with Turkey’s sun
The challenge is even more acute for nations almost entirely dependent on foreign energy, such as Turkey. The country possesses minimal domestic oil and gas, forcing it to import the vast majority of its needs; in 2022, for instance, it consumed 246 million barrels of imported crude oil compared to just 29 million barrels produced locally. This reliance has created a precarious geopolitical position, with Russia as a primary supplier and Western allies applying pressure, leaving Turkey navigating a complex diplomatic tightrope. However, Turkey possesses a powerful lever that is shifting its negotiating power away from foreign fossil fuels: its own abundant sunshine and robust manufacturing base.
Using these advantages to aggressively develop domestic renewable energy, the nation is now rewiring its energy independence through new clean energy projects. A flagship example is the Kalyon Karapınar Solar Power Plant. Constructed in the nation's central desert region with international financing, the facility's scale is staggering—covering an area equivalent to a quarter of Paris. It generates enough electricity for approximately two million people, boosting Turkey's total solar capacity by 15%. This directly enhances national security by displacing imported fuels, while also cutting carbon emissions by approximately 1.7 million tonnes annually.
Beyond its scale, the project's importance for the nation is rooted in its domestic manufacturing. Key components, the photovoltaic panels, were produced with 80% local content by Kalyon PV, Turkey's first fully integrated solar panel manufacturer. This focus on regional production cuts the carbon footprint of transportation and pushes up national energy security by building a self-reliant supply chain. The initiative has created approximately 1,000 local jobs and reduces Turkey's reliance on foreign technology—a vital step in a region of political turmoil. As Board Chairperson Cemal Kalyoncu stated, producing these panels domestically is important to reduce the current account deficit and create skilled employment, positioning Turkey as a regional frontrunner in the renewable energy sector and proving that environmental action is integral to national energy sovereignty.
The next frontier of green transition in Iceland
The final example, Iceland, stands as a global benchmark for renewable energy. The nation achieved near-total energy sovereignty by powering its grid and heating homes with 100% geothermal and hydropower. This transition, completed in just decades, has made it independent from the volatile fossil fuel markets that preoccupy other nations. Yet, this green success story reveals a critical vulnerability. Iceland's economy and national identity are deeply tied to its massive fishing fleet and transport sector, which still remain almost entirely dependent on imported oil. Consequently, this small nation of under 400,000 people has one of the highest per-capita greenhouse gas emission rates in Europe. These emissions create a paradoxical dependency, tethering Iceland to international carbon markets and foreign climate regulations. To comply, the government and industries must purchase costly emissions permits from abroad, effectively ceding a measure of the economic and political autonomy it fought so hard to secure. This paradox underscores a modern truth: even for the greenest nations, true sovereignty remains incomplete without addressing the energy independence.
To counter this vulnerability, Iceland is pursuing a diverse strategy, including agricultural reform and attracting new, low-carbon industries. Its most innovative approach, however, lies in pioneering carbon capture technology. The Orca plant, a "negative emissions" facility designed and built by the Swiss company Climeworks, exemplifies this. The plant, linked to the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Station, uses the facility's own clean geothermal energy to power a process that directly captures CO₂ from the air. The captured carbon is then mixed with water and injected deep underground, where it rapidly mineralizes into solid rock. This technology, provided by external supplier, mitigates Iceland's remaining emissions and positions the nation as a pioneer in removing the atmospheric carbon that drives climate instability.
Apart from environmental benefits, the Orca project also represents an evolution of Iceland's energy sovereignty, leveraging its domestic geothermal power for a new mission: cleansing the atmosphere. This delivers a dual environmental benefit. The foundational geothermal operation itself provides a constant, reliable source of clean electricity. More significantly, the carbon capture process creates a measurable, negative emissions impact, removing 4,000 tonnes of CO₂ from the air annually. This technological leap also serves a sobering economic purpose for the local community. As Marianne Tikkanen of Puro.earth certification authority notes, the high cost of carbon removal—visible in projects like Orca—underscores an important calculation: the most effective and affordable strategy is to avoid emissions in the first place, highlighting the direct link between proactive environmental policy and long-term economic resilience.
The cases of Egypt, Turkey, and Iceland demonstrate that navigating the global energy transition requires a concerted effort from both governments and private investors. This partnership is more than a financial arrangement; it is the foundation of a new form of national security. By providing capital, technology, and expertise for domestic renewable projects, private investment fortifies a nation's energy independence, shielding it from volatile global markets and geopolitical pressure. The result extends beyond a self-sufficient grid. It enables countries to leverage their natural resources to build a resilient, low-carbon economy. In doing so, nations do not merely meet climate targets—they gain an advantage, positioning themselves as leaders in the clean energy race and securing a sustainable future on their own terms.
Meanwhile, a growing global opposition is forming in response as nations now treat renewable energy as a linchpin of national security, not merely an environmental goal. This shift is evident in initiatives like the European Union's REPowerEU plan, designed explicitly to break its dependence on Russian fossil fuels. Similarly, Chinese President Xi Jinping has recently committed to cutting the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, urging other developing countries to follow suit. These actions signal a fundamental convergence: a nation's security and resilience are now inextricably linked to its energy choices and its commitment to a stable climate.
Trying to navigate this energy realignment, governments are facing significant hurdles, from financing massive infrastructure projects to developing new technologies. To overcome these challenges, many are leveraging a powerful solution: participation of private companies. By attracting capital and borrowing technologies for domestic solar, wind, and other clean energy projects, nations can rapidly reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels and build self-reliant power grids. This strategy strengthens national security by boosting energy sovereignty, while simultaneously fulfilling environmental pledges, as evidenced by several global initiatives.
The green gold rush in Egypt
The first case concerns Egypt, a nation whose development is tethered to the Nile's hydropower and its own fossil fuels. Currently, the country remains heavily reliant on natural gas, with renewables like solar, wind, and hydropower accounting for a mere 11.5% of its electricity generation. This existing system is being tested by a growing population and frequent power outages, exacerbated by financial constraints and declining domestic gas production. Compounding the energy insecurity is the climate vulnerability, with extreme heat, water scarcity, and rising sea levels posing a threat to the populous Nile Delta. This dual crisis of energy instability and environmental risk has compelled the Egyptian government to act, leading its petroleum ministry to set an ambitious target of 40% renewable energy by 2040—a move designed to secure the nation's energy independence and uphold its climate commitments.
Egypt's renewable energy transition is just beginning, but its massive scale has already been dubbed a "green gold rush." The country is targeting 12 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2026, and more expected to come driven by a pipeline of new megaprojects. A bellwether project is the Suez Wind Project, a €1 billion initiative slated for completion in 2027. Developed by global B-Corp investor Meridiam in partnership with Hassan Allam Utilities and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the project is committed to stringent environmental and social standards. Upon completion, the wind farm is projected to generate 4,111 GWh of electricity annually—powering over one million Egyptian homes with clean, reliable energy. Once up and running, it will cut CO₂ emissions by approximately 1.71 million tons each year, bolstering Egypt's energy security and its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Beyond its environmental benefits, the Suez Wind Project is a strategic national security asset, formally recognized as such by the Egyptian government through its award of a Golden License. This status underscores its role in fortifying the country's energy independence. As Kevin Kariuki of the African Development Bank noted, the project is pivotal for Egypt to reach its 2030 renewable energy target while simultaneously boosting local economies and strengthening regional energy security. The choice of partner was also critical in this regard as Meridiam specializes in long-term infrastructure designed to meet a nation's core needs. For Egypt, this aligns with a broader ambition to become a regional energy exporter. Planned electrical interconnections to Asia and Europe hinge on a massive expansion of reliable domestic generation. The Suez Wind Project, built to last, provides exactly that—a stable, clean power source that secures Egypt's energy future at home and its economic influence abroad.
Rewiring energy security with Turkey’s sun
The challenge is even more acute for nations almost entirely dependent on foreign energy, such as Turkey. The country possesses minimal domestic oil and gas, forcing it to import the vast majority of its needs; in 2022, for instance, it consumed 246 million barrels of imported crude oil compared to just 29 million barrels produced locally. This reliance has created a precarious geopolitical position, with Russia as a primary supplier and Western allies applying pressure, leaving Turkey navigating a complex diplomatic tightrope. However, Turkey possesses a powerful lever that is shifting its negotiating power away from foreign fossil fuels: its own abundant sunshine and robust manufacturing base.
Using these advantages to aggressively develop domestic renewable energy, the nation is now rewiring its energy independence through new clean energy projects. A flagship example is the Kalyon Karapınar Solar Power Plant. Constructed in the nation's central desert region with international financing, the facility's scale is staggering—covering an area equivalent to a quarter of Paris. It generates enough electricity for approximately two million people, boosting Turkey's total solar capacity by 15%. This directly enhances national security by displacing imported fuels, while also cutting carbon emissions by approximately 1.7 million tonnes annually.
Beyond its scale, the project's importance for the nation is rooted in its domestic manufacturing. Key components, the photovoltaic panels, were produced with 80% local content by Kalyon PV, Turkey's first fully integrated solar panel manufacturer. This focus on regional production cuts the carbon footprint of transportation and pushes up national energy security by building a self-reliant supply chain. The initiative has created approximately 1,000 local jobs and reduces Turkey's reliance on foreign technology—a vital step in a region of political turmoil. As Board Chairperson Cemal Kalyoncu stated, producing these panels domestically is important to reduce the current account deficit and create skilled employment, positioning Turkey as a regional frontrunner in the renewable energy sector and proving that environmental action is integral to national energy sovereignty.
The next frontier of green transition in Iceland
The final example, Iceland, stands as a global benchmark for renewable energy. The nation achieved near-total energy sovereignty by powering its grid and heating homes with 100% geothermal and hydropower. This transition, completed in just decades, has made it independent from the volatile fossil fuel markets that preoccupy other nations. Yet, this green success story reveals a critical vulnerability. Iceland's economy and national identity are deeply tied to its massive fishing fleet and transport sector, which still remain almost entirely dependent on imported oil. Consequently, this small nation of under 400,000 people has one of the highest per-capita greenhouse gas emission rates in Europe. These emissions create a paradoxical dependency, tethering Iceland to international carbon markets and foreign climate regulations. To comply, the government and industries must purchase costly emissions permits from abroad, effectively ceding a measure of the economic and political autonomy it fought so hard to secure. This paradox underscores a modern truth: even for the greenest nations, true sovereignty remains incomplete without addressing the energy independence.
To counter this vulnerability, Iceland is pursuing a diverse strategy, including agricultural reform and attracting new, low-carbon industries. Its most innovative approach, however, lies in pioneering carbon capture technology. The Orca plant, a "negative emissions" facility designed and built by the Swiss company Climeworks, exemplifies this. The plant, linked to the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Station, uses the facility's own clean geothermal energy to power a process that directly captures CO₂ from the air. The captured carbon is then mixed with water and injected deep underground, where it rapidly mineralizes into solid rock. This technology, provided by external supplier, mitigates Iceland's remaining emissions and positions the nation as a pioneer in removing the atmospheric carbon that drives climate instability.
Apart from environmental benefits, the Orca project also represents an evolution of Iceland's energy sovereignty, leveraging its domestic geothermal power for a new mission: cleansing the atmosphere. This delivers a dual environmental benefit. The foundational geothermal operation itself provides a constant, reliable source of clean electricity. More significantly, the carbon capture process creates a measurable, negative emissions impact, removing 4,000 tonnes of CO₂ from the air annually. This technological leap also serves a sobering economic purpose for the local community. As Marianne Tikkanen of Puro.earth certification authority notes, the high cost of carbon removal—visible in projects like Orca—underscores an important calculation: the most effective and affordable strategy is to avoid emissions in the first place, highlighting the direct link between proactive environmental policy and long-term economic resilience.
The cases of Egypt, Turkey, and Iceland demonstrate that navigating the global energy transition requires a concerted effort from both governments and private investors. This partnership is more than a financial arrangement; it is the foundation of a new form of national security. By providing capital, technology, and expertise for domestic renewable projects, private investment fortifies a nation's energy independence, shielding it from volatile global markets and geopolitical pressure. The result extends beyond a self-sufficient grid. It enables countries to leverage their natural resources to build a resilient, low-carbon economy. In doing so, nations do not merely meet climate targets—they gain an advantage, positioning themselves as leaders in the clean energy race and securing a sustainable future on their own terms.
