Energy independence
Energy independence is or autarky regarding energy resources, energy supply and/or energy generation by the energy industry.
Energy dependence in general refers to either mankind's general dependence on primary or secondary energy for energy consumption. In a narrower sense, it may describe the dependence of one country on energy resources from another country.
Energy dependence has been identified as one of several factors negatively contributing to energy security.
Generally, a higher level of energy dependence is associated with higher risk, because of the possible interference of trade regulations, international armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, etc..
A crucial contribution on the road to energy independence is energy efficiency because efficient use of energy can build on individual efforts in power saving instead of having to rely on costly large-scale infrastructure.
Energy independence, while being attempted by large or resource-rich and economically strong countries like the United States, Russia, China and the Near and Middle East, is an idealized status that at present can only be approximated through non-sustainable exploitation of a country's natural resources. Another factor in reducing dependence is the addition of renewable energy sources to the energy mix. Usually, a country will rely on local and global energy renewable and non-renewable resources, a mixed-model solution that presumes various energy sources and modes of energy transfer between countries like electric power transmission, oil transport, etc. The European dependence on Russian energy is a case in point; Russia is Europe's main supplier of hard coal, crude oil and natural gas.
Planning and coordination in the strive for energy independence is the business of energy policy and energy managementRelated concepts
