While all other steps of the energy chain such as refinement or enrichment, conversion and distribution can be moved physically closer to the final customer, exploration and production of primary energy cannot. Whether this is a good approach depends on a country’s geographical position, its own energy endowment, the state of its physical infrastructures for transport and storage, the diversification of its supplies, the willingness of its population to accept higher average long-term prices for lower volatility, and a host of other issues. Free and global energy trade through smoothly functioning competitive markets can ensure timely delivery of all necessary energy resources.