The war in Iran has exposed the vulnerabilities of countries reliant on Middle Eastern fossil fuels, according to Ramon Mendez.
Mendez, the former Uruguayan Energy Secretary and current President of REN21, says a drastic shift to renewable energy is possible with the right strategy in place.
He suggests that other nations can follow the footsteps of Uruguay to achieve similar results.
The Uruguayan model
The South American nation now generates 98% of its electricity from low-carbon sources.
This achievement provides a template for countries seeking to mitigate the risks of geopolitical instability.
The ongoing conflict in Iran highlights the inherent risks of depending on the global oil and gas industry.
Specifically, the war threatens energy stability in regions like the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global fuel supplies.
Mendez argues that transitioning to renewables offers a way for nations to bypass the volatility of Middle Eastern energy markets.
By adopting low-carbon technologies, countries can build more resilient energy grids.
The shift toward renewables allows nations to reduce their exposure to the supply disruptions caused by regional warfare.
