Why QUAD must tackle energy security challenges to prevent shipment disruptions

Though not dependent on any one nation’s energy supplies, the QUAD countries have energy security challenges. As per think tank Lowy Institute, the immediate creation of quad energy strategy must be ordered. As belligerent China presses its claims in the region, energy shipments could be subject to disruption. Over 30% of the world’s crude oil passes through South China Sea, including around 90% of Japan’s crude imports. Japan consumes over one-fifth of global LNG supply and relies on LNG for about a third of its power. In 2019, Australia imported 65% of the petroleum products it consumed, most which came from east & S.E. Asia. Australia shut nearly all onshore refining facilities & depends on imports for key defence purposes. One of the QUAD objectives is to combat climate change by promoting green energy production. However, china owns the bulk of the solar energy supply chain & dominates the 'green metals' market. 'Green metals' such as copper and lithium are required to electrify industry and transportation. China is home to four-tenths of the world’s rare earth elements & nearly 80% of global REE mining & refining.