Energy Sovereignty Matters Now More Than Ever

The events unfolding in Iran are a stark reminder that Australia’s energy security is still deeply exposed to global shocks. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil and gas, has already driven significant spikes in global prices and disrupted supply routes.

We’re now seeing the flow-on effects here at home. Analysts warn that petrol prices in Australia could rise by around 40 cents a litre as global oil prices jump roughly 10 per cent, with household budgets feeling the strain. And while Australia is a major energy exporter, we still import about 90 per cent of our liquid fuel—meaning these global shocks hit us directly at the pump.

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What’s happening now is yet another reminder that relying on overseas supply chains leaves Australia vulnerable—strategically, economically, and environmentally.

But there’s also opportunity.

Our transition to a clean energy future isn’t just about emissions reduction. It’s about resilience. It’s about ensuring Australians are no longer hostage to geopolitical instability, shipping choke points, or sudden market disruptions. And global experts increasingly point out that conflicts disrupting fossil fuel markets tend to accelerate investment in clean, sovereign energy systems.

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Australia has everything it needs to lead: world-class renewables, the capability to build a skilled clean-energy workforce (which is still a work in progress), and a moment in history that demands bold, future‑focused action.

At the Australian Renewables Academy, we see this as a pivotal time to double down on the transition. Fast‑tracking clean energy is the smart thing to do. It strengthens our economy, protects households from volatility, and builds true national energy sovereignty. And this is why we must fast-track the training and development of the workforce of the future: without a workforce ready to go, the opportunity will be missed.

The world is shifting. Australia must shift with it and faster.

If ever there was a time to accelerate our clean energy transition, it’s now!