The energy security conundrum - how to equitably provide available, affordable, reliable, efficient, and environmentally benign energy services - is a technology and policy challenge, perhaps unlike any other. The recent article on an energy security in the Asia Pacific by Vlado Vivoda is an excellent starting point for how to best capture the unique energy security challenges facing the region. This article builds on Vivoda's work, but also points out some shortcomings with his analysis. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.