The World, the Universe and Us Why The Iran War Is Speeding The End Of The Fossil Fuel Era
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Mar 19, 2026 Alec Luhn, a climate reporter who analyzes energy markets and geopolitics, explores how the Iran conflict is reshaping global energy choices. He discusses Asia’s wake-up call on energy security. He highlights which countries are fast-tracking renewables and EVs. He examines oil price shocks, China’s role in solar exports, and the short-term coal rebound versus long-term clean transition.
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Strait Closure Makes Renewables Economically Compelling
- The Iran conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed oil above $100 a barrel, exposing global import vulnerability.
- New Scientist analysis: if renewables, EVs and heat pumps were fully deployed, import costs this year could fall by about 70% (≈$400bn saved).
Europe's Ukraine Shock Drove A Big Renewable Surge
- Europe responded to the Ukraine gas weaponisation by dramatically increasing solar and wind deployment.
- The EU more than doubled annual solar build and the UK increased solar by two thirds after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Asia Is Fast-Tracking Renewables After The Shock
- Asian governments are fast-tracking renewables and permitting to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
- South Korea is fast-tracking projects and India is leaning on solar plus EVs to cut foreign oil dependence, said leaders.