The UK and US should form an energy partnership similar to the Aukus defence alliance that would see more manufacturing of renewable technology in the West, a US senator has said.
Senator Duckworth wants allied countries to produce that technology instead, which would give the West an “economic advantage” over other countries. The Iraq war veteran, who lost both her legs when her Blackhawk helicopter was shot down, said the US is trying to promote solar panel installations but is having to buy them from China and is concerned the east Asian country is taking the lead in renewable technology production.
Senator Duckworth stopped short of agreeing, but said the IRA has been a “huge stimulus” for US manufacturing, having such a positive impact that Republican politicians who voted against the Act are now taking credit for it. “This is a national security issue. It is just as important for us to invest in renewables as it is to invest in Abrams tanks and Blackhawk helicopters and F-35 fighter jets.