Heather Polinsky
CEO, Arcadis
Energy security is now a priority for defence organisations, as evolving threats expose vulnerabilities in supply chains, infrastructure and digital systems.
Energy security is increasingly being seen as key to national sovereignty. Recent geopolitical events have exposed vulnerabilities, from supply chain disruptions to cyber risks targeting critical assets, accelerating global conversations about energy resilience, independence and long-term operational readiness.
The Strategic Defence Review has reinforced the importance of mission continuity and protecting critical infrastructure in an increasingly uncertain environment.
Risks threatening energy security
Energy supplies are threatened by market volatility, physical disruption, sabotage and increasingly sophisticated cyber intrusions. Extreme weather introduces further pressure on already stressed infrastructure.
The growing energy demands of advanced defence platforms, secure communications and digital systems also make disruption potentially more damaging to operational effectiveness.
Resilience depends on a holistic approach: diversifying fuel sources, investing in localised or distributed energy systems and strengthening physical and digital defences. Diversified energy adoption is increasingly driving operational agility and supply chain resilience.
Real-time infrastructure monitoring, predictive analytics and the integration of digital twins enable more proactive risk management and rapid response if anomalies arise. Arcadis is already applying AI-enabled and digital solutions, like Climate Risk Nexus and Enterprise Decision Analytics, to help organisations improve asset visibility, scenario planning and decision making.
The growing energy demands of advanced defence platforms, secure communications and digital systems also make disruption potentially more damaging to operational effectiveness.
Integrated approach
Technology alone isn’t the differentiator. The real advantage: combining digital intelligence with engineering expertise, operational knowledge and human judgement to support faster, more informed decisions. Energy, water, transport, environment and digital infrastructure are becoming increasingly interconnected, particularly in defence environments where continuity is critical.
At Arcadis, we see growing demand for approaches that connect these complex, multi-stakeholder systems, including projects supporting Belgium’s F-35 fighter programme and environmental infrastructure and resilience programmes for US federal and defence agencies.
Finland’s rapid energy transition since joining NATO demonstrates the value of diversification, local energy initiatives and strong civil-military coordination. Similar approaches are being explored as nations rethink how they strengthen operational continuity in a volatile world.
Energy resilience is key to national capability and long-term security. Arcadis is well positioned to support, as defence organisations rethink how critical systems are designed, connected and protected.
