Final push to renewables and nuclear?
The 2026 US-Israel-Iran War and the resulting disruption of the Strait of Hormuz have created the greatest energy supply shock in history, with oil prices surging 50% and approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies affected. This crisis has exposed the profound vulnerability of global energy systems to fossil fuel dependency and geopolitical instability. This paper examines how this conflict is accelerating the transition to renewable energy and nuclear power, arguing that even if the war resolves soon, the damage is done and future supply shocks could be worse. We analyze how countries can follow the lead of China—with its ambitious nuclear and renewable targets—and Norway—with its strategic approach to energy transition despite being a major oil producer—to build energy security and address climate change simultaneously. The paper concludes with recommendations for accelerating the energy transition to prevent future crises and turn the tide on climate change.