The writer, a former US Treasury secretary, chairs the Paulson Institute

One of the most urgent and under-appreciated energy challenges facing the US is the artificial intelligence race with China. America is in the lead, but Beijing is investing heavily to close the gap. The question for Washington is: can the US stay ahead without a national energy strategy to power it? 

The energy landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine reshaped it overnight. Prices soared and governments scrambled to reduce reliance on Russian gas. Energy security became paramount. As Europe and other regions that are not energy independent seek to address these vulnerabilities, they are increasingly looking to solar and wind to reduce fossil fuel dependence.