Sometimes I notice a “big oil” barrage on social media, often led by figures like Trump, suggesting that all the world’s problems can be solved just by producing more oil. But “oil” is really just a placeholder for energy; that is the real name of the game. It’s about ensuring you have enough when you need it. Currently, the world is facing a deficit, and history shows this won’t be the last time.
The Nuclear and Fusion Reality
Some believe building more nuclear fission reactors is the answer. While possible, the lead times are massive, and the safety concerns, especially as potential targets during conflict are significant.
The real “game-changer” is commercial fusion, which is finally turning the corner. We are seeing a massive shift from lab science to industry:
- Helion Energy is already constructing a plant in Washington to provide fusion power to Microsoft’s data centers by 2028.
- Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on track to demonstrate net energy gain with its SPARC reactor by 2027.
- Even the UK Government just launched a 2026 Fusion Strategy, backing the sector with £2.5 billion to lead this “new energy revolution.”
Once fusion is scaled, the energy crisis as we know it will cease to exist—but it will require us to fully commit to an electric society.
Controlling Our Own Destiny: The Solar Mandate
We often fail to think about the future because we assume a “drill, baby, drill” approach allows us to relax. But imagine how different life would be if every government had one coherent policy: every building being built or having its roof repaired must be converted to solar.
We are finally seeing the first steps toward this:
- In England, the new “Future Homes Standard” (finalized March 2026) will soon make solar panels and heat pumps the default for nearly all new builds.
- The Isle of Man is pushing for 30MW of local renewable generation by the end of this year to gain “full control” over its own energy supplies and stop relying on volatile imported fossil fuels.
If we utilized the daytime sun on every rooftop to power our lives, we wouldn’t be at the whim of global energy crises. We would finally control our own destiny.
