This article investigates the possibilities of using distributed energy resources (DER) to increase the resilience of national energy systems and national security, including the case of war. A review of literature is conducted, regarding the management of DER systems. Conclusions focus on the specificities of managing such systems for national security, namely: a) the importance of complexity theory as basic framework for strategic planning in DER systems b) the management of risks relative to disruptions in supply chains and c) the role to be played by financial instruments and markets.