Last weekend the Houston Chronicle ran a smart opinion article on the future of global energy relationships that did not receive nearly as much attention as it should have.

Written by David Goldwyn and Jan Kalicki, two experts with extensive experience in business, government, and think tanks, the piece reflects on the 40th anniversary of the Arab oil embargo and the differences between today’s world and 1973.

Energy independence the wrong goal

I was particularly struck by the authors’ discussion of why seeking energy independence would be “a profound mistake.” Some of their arguments echo those I’ve highlighted on this blog before.

For one thing, they note, the global nature of energy markets suggests Americans’ interests are best served by finding common cause between producers and consumers in energy and climate security.

In our current parlance, moreover, “energy independence” means disengagement, which “would undermine the economic, trade, political and security solidarity of North American and Australian producers with their allies and major trading partners who remain energy dependent.”

And finally, Goldwyn and Kalicki rightly point out that “the old energy producers are increasingly energy consumers – and vice versa. After China and India, the Middle East is the third-fastest growing energy consumer, as it diversifies and industrializes, rather than simply exporting its commodities.” That point, wisely revealing the dynamic and ever-changing nature of energy markets, gets overlooked too often in debates that rest upon assumptions the world looks the same as when Richard Nixon was in the White House.

A safer, more secure alternative

The authors offer what they call a global energy security system – or GESS – as a better alternative for policymakers to seek.

On the domestic front this means more hydrocarbon exports, international investment, greenhouse gas reduction, sustained energy R&D, and 21st century energy infrastructure improvements.

Internationally this will require greater collaboration, including sharing technology and best practices. “These are the building blocks for energy interdependence, leading to technology cooperation, greater energy access, a global network of strategic petroleum reserves, and safe, fuel-powered economic growth.”

Goldwyn’s and Kalicki’s thoughtful piece in the Chronicle is distilled from a book the two wrote that is well worth reading. I encourage readers to check out both.