Fuelling the Future: Energy Resilience, Tech & Global Risk

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Fuelling the future

Fuelling the future

The race to power new tech

From electric vehicles to AI-powered data centres, the demand for tech resources and innovation brings with it the substantial need for energy and minerals. This makes these materials active battlegrounds in a global race for tech and energy resilience and influence.

The competition to secure them is redrawing the map of industry and geopolitics. We’re seeing supply chains for energy and minerals becoming central to national agendas and corporate strategy:

The rivalry between the United States and China underscores this shift, with both nations accelerating efforts to lock in access to critical materials. In response to China’s dominance in rare earths, the United States launched the Mineral Security Partnership in 2022, alongside 14 governments and the European Commission.¹ By late 2024, the alliance had initiated 10 mining projects and was evaluating 30 more, attracting significant global capital.²
In East Africa, the Lobito Corridor – a major railway unlocking cobalt and copper – shows how infrastructure is being reimagined as a strategic asset.³
Africa, with its twenty mineral-producing countries, has emerged as a key arena for investment and partnership.⁴

This race is what determines who gets to build, who gets to lead, and who gets left behind. As energy and mineral access become strategic levers, governments and businesses are racing to adapt. They seek to adjust and grow within a rapidly evolving landscape where infrastructure, innovation and resource security are deeply intertwined.

Strategic Shifts – rethinking global operations and security

"We are supporting clients as they navigate complex global risks – whether it’s investing in regions rich in critical minerals or responding to shifting geopolitical dynamics. Political risk and trade credit insurance help protect those investments and enable strategic growth in uncertain environments."

Roddy Barnett
Head of Political Risks & Trade Credit

And in this resource race, even the sky is not out of reach. The Moon, long a canvas for dreams, is now being considered in the supply chain and mapped for mining.⁵

Cables, minerals and ambition trace new paths across its surface as it becomes a realistic part of long-term energy strategy.
"We are going to see a flurry of activity on the Moon, both governmental and commercial, in the next few years. And the ability to manufacture in space, will be the next thing."

Denis Bensoussan
Head of Space

Energy as a strategic lever

And as for energy … just as oil reshaped global power in the 1970s, energy is once again emerging as a strategic lever – this time in the form of electrified operations, AI infrastructure, and digital ecosystems.

The question isn’t whether energy matters, but how much of a competitive edge it can offer. Businesses that secure resilient, reliable energy won’t just manage risk better – they’ll be positioned to scale, innovate and compete. Energy access could become as powerful a competitive differentiator as¹ intellectual property (IP) or research and development (R&D) strength.
But speed without strategy is risky. Without strong governance and protection, energy assets can shift from advantage to liability.

"As big tech shapes energy policy, energy availability can dictate business viability, protection is not a defensive measure, it’s a foundation for growth. Companies that act now will be better placed to scale later, on their own terms."

Alex Hill
Claims Focus Group Leader – Political and Terrorism Claims

Strategic shifts

The fusion frontier

Energy as a strategic lever

Spotlight Snapshots

Energy autonomy is accelerating

Mid-sized firms are investing in solar, storage, and microgrids – not just to cut costs, but to gain control. Those with diversified energy sources can scale faster, innovate more freely, and enter high-growth markets ahead of the curve.
Control brings new risks

Owning energy assets introduces unique property challenges, climate concerns and operational risks. But with energy strategy woven into core business planning – and backed by protective measures and scenario analysis – firms can convert vulnerabilities into launchpads for innovation.
Insurance unlocks expansion

With astute insurance underwriting developing the right cover, energy security and independence can transform a liability into a strategic edge – empowering confident, resilient growth.