The UK faces significant challenges in achieving its clean energy ambitions despite a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Recent geopolitical tensions highlight the vulnerability of fossil fuel-importing economies, leaving British businesses and households exposed to price shocks from conflicts like the US-Israel-Iran standoff.

Despite progress in renewable energy, 75% of the UK's primary energy still comes from fossil fuels. While electricity's share of total energy consumption has doubled since 2010, it remains just 13% of the mix. Renewables now constitute 50% of electricity generation, but fossil fuels still account for 32%, with gas providing 30% even after significant reductions.

The UK's continued fossil fuel dependence stems from persistent use in transport and heating, alongside importation of energy-intensive goods. This creates difficult policy choices: whether to provide across-the-board subsidies (which the author rejects) or pursue targeted approaches to reduce future vulnerability while navigating a "ruptured" international climate cooperation landscape.