Building resilience: why energy infrastructure is the new industrial imperative
As global energy markets navigate a period of supply uncertainties, the state of energy infrastructure and supply chains has transitioned from a policy objective to a critical industrial imperative. The current volatility has demonstrated that resilience cannot be achieved through emergency measures alone; it requires a structural overhaul of how nations prioritise infrastructure and manage supply chains. In this interview, H.E. Tarek El-Molla, former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Egypt, provides a pragmatic framework for this transformation. H.E. El-Molla advocates for a “realism-first” approach for the industry, emphasising that while the expansion of renewables and storage technology is important, the reliability of baseload hydrocarbons remains the bedrock of industrial stability. From the strategic role of LNG infrastructure to the collaborative efforts of the industry, he outlines a roadmap for fortifying infrastructure and supply chains against future shocks.
Your Excellency, we are witnessing a global shift where energy security has reclaimed the spotlight. From your perspective, how has the current landscape changed the way nations must prioritise their energy infrastructure and supply chains?
Energy security is now the absolute priority. We have seen how geopolitical conflict forces countries to take drastic measures. Initially, the release of strategic petroleum reserves (in March) — coordinated by the IEA and various nations — helped lower oil prices after they spiked to nearly US$120. But security is about more than just emergency reserves; it is about a balanced energy mix and infrastructure capabilities. We are seeing an accelerated path to increasing capacities in thermal, nuclear, and renewables. Technology must now play a lead role in optimising every molecule and improving consumption efficiency to shield economies from the inflation and GDP impacts of volatile pricing.
In a world of fragmented supply chains, what specific strategies do you recommend for building energy infrastructure that is truly resilient for the next decade?
Resilience requires a marriage of incentives and realism. While energy transition is the buzzword, the reality is that we haven’t seen sufficient funding or encouragement from investment banks to meet the goals. We must be realistic: we will never stop needing oil and gas for baseload power. At the same time, we need strategies that offer accelerated incentives for businesses to invest in new energies such as solar, which is the most efficient entry point. A resilient system is one that integrates renewables, advanced storage and battery technology while maintaining a strong, optimised foundation of hydrocarbons.
How do you see the evolving role of natural gas in strengthening energy security and diversifying the global energy system? Why is the Eastern Mediterranean a strategic factor in this regard?
The world has agreed that natural gas is the “accepted” transition fuel. The Mediterranean basin is now a focal point for supermajors because of its existing, high-quality infrastructure — our LNG plants, extensive pipeline networks, and deep-water ports. We are seeing a new level of collaboration between Egypt, Cyprus, Israel, and Greece. Whether it’s connecting Cypriot gas to Egyptian facilities or exploring new frontiers in Libya and Algeria, the Eastern Mediterranean is the future of energy for Europe. This isn’t just about electrification; it’s about the molecules needed for fertilisers and petrochemicals that keep the global economy running.
