Energy Security

The Department of Energy (DOE) plays an important and multifaceted role in protecting the nation’s critical energy security. In addition to our work to increase nuclear nonproliferation and ensure the security of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, DOE manages the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, invests in protection against cyber and physical attacks on U.S. energy infrastructure, conducts programs to ensure worker health and safety, and provides training tools and procedures for emergency response and preparedness. 

How DOE Safeguards Our Nation’s Energy Security

The secure and reliable delivery of energy is crucial for national security, the economy, public health, and public safety. The ability to access electricity, natural gas, and petroleum products on demand relies on the uninterrupted operation of the energy infrastructure and supply chains that support energy delivery. All other critical infrastructure sectors depend on energy for their own secure and reliable operation. In short, energy is the backbone of American society, government, and economic prosperity. Changing natural hazards, increased customer demand, future electrification of transportation, and addition of distributed energy resources and commercial renewable energy generation to the grid all necessitate dynamic short- and long-term planning to ensure system reliability.

Highlights