scholarly journals The Climate Crisis, Renewable Energy, and the Changing Landscape of Global Energy Politics

2021 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 89-98
Author(s):  
Michael J. Albert
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
World Order ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
World Politics ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Energy Futures ◽  
Energy Politics ◽  
Industrial Complexes ◽  
Political Economic

Abstract This essay reviews three recent books on the changing landscape of global energy politics in the era of climate change. Key questions that the authors investigate include: how will the renewable energy transition reshape the global balance of power? How will political-economic interdependencies and geopolitical alignments shift? Will contemporary petro-states adapt or collapse? And what new patterns of peace and conflict may emerge in a decarbonized world order? The authors provide different perspectives on the likely speed of the energy transition and its geopolitical implications. However, they occlude deeper questions about the depth of the transformations needed to prevent climate catastrophe—particularly in the nature of capitalism and military power—and the potential for more radical perspectives on energy futures. In contrast, I will argue that we should advance a critical research agenda on the global energy transition that accounts for the possibility of more far-reaching transformations in the political-economic, military, and ideological bases of world politics and highlights diverse movements fighting for their realization. These possible transformations include (1) transitions to post-growth political economies; (2) a radical shrinkage of emissions-intensive military–industrial complexes; and (3) decolonizing ideologies of “progress.” If struggles for alternative energy futures beyond the hegemony of economic growth and Western-style modernization are at the forefront of radical politics today, then these struggles deserve greater attention from critical IR scholars.

Incorporating unconventional and renewable energy into the international energy framework: the diminution of OPEC in a new energy world order

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-80
Author(s):  
Victoria Roth
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Initial Public Offering ◽  
Energy Security ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Petroleum Industry ◽  
World Order ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Global Energy

Abstract Nearing its 60th anniversary of foundation, the once unchallenged Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) faces a modern diminution of influence. This slipping grip of near-hegemonic control exerted over the petroleum industry, is partly reflective of the rising influence of unconventional energy sources, the rising popularity for alternative and renewable energy sources and a downstream consequence of its own exertion of power. With rising international demand for renewables as a means to provide global energy security, the role of the state remains paramount in meeting energy demands. The international framework falls short of enabling a framework that brings renewable energy past its domestic dependency and into an internationally traded commodity. Following the 1973 embargo against the USA, OPEC inadvertently spurred on the need for a diversified market of energy production to ensure global energy security free from the whims of oligarchic groups. The subsequent investment into alternative energy, including the rising technological advancements made in areas such as horizontal and seismic imaging technology (or, ‘fracking’), has led to the diversification of energy production sources and lessened reliance on external importers by the American energy consumption powerhouse. The lessening reliance on OPEC has had a consequential impact on the unofficial head of the organization, Saudi Arabia. From the proposed initial public offering of Saudi Aramco to Vision 2030, all signs point to looming economic troubles for the petroleum dependant state without adequate, and effective, diversification.

scholarly journals Can the 1.5 ℃ warming target be met in a global transition to 100% renewable energy?

AIMS Energy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1170-1191
Author(s):  
Peter Schwartzman ◽  
◽  
David Schwartzman ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Climate Mitigation ◽  
Energy Poverty ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Mitigation And Adaptation

<abstract> <p>First, we recognize the valuable previous studies which model renewable energy growth with complete termination of fossil fuels along with assumptions of the remaining carbon budgets to reach IPCC warming targets. However, these studies use very complex combined economic/physical modeling and commonly lack transparency regarding the sensitivity to assumed inputs. Moreover, it is not clear that energy poverty with its big present impact in the global South has been eliminated in their scenarios. Further, their CO<sub>2</sub>-equivalent natural gas emission factors are underestimated, which will have significant impact on the computed greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, we address this question in a transparent modeling study: can the 1.5 ℃ warming target still be met with an aggressive phaseout of fossil fuels coupled with a 100% replacement by renewable energy? We compute the continuous generation of global wind/solar energy power along with the cumulative carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in a complete phaseout of fossil fuels over a 20 year period. We compare these computed emissions with the state-of-the-science estimates for the remaining carbon budget of carbon dioxide emissions consistent with the 1.5 ℃ warming target, concluding that it is still possible to meet this warming target if the creation of a global 100% renewable energy transition of sufficient capacity begins very soon which will likely be needed to power aggressive negative carbon emission technology. The latter is focused on direct air capture for crustal storage. More efficient renewable technologies in the near future will make this transition easier and promote the implementation of a global circular economy. Taking into account technological improvements in 2<sup>nd</sup> law (exergy) efficiencies reducing the necessary global energy demand, the renewable supply should likely be no more than 1.5 times the present level, with the capacity to eliminate global energy poverty, for climate mitigation and adaptation.</p> </abstract>

International Norms, Policy Transfers and Energy Transition: Implications for Taiwan’s Development

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
FANG-TING CHENG
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy Policies ◽  
Global Environmental ◽  
Fuel Subsidies ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Renewable Energy Policies ◽  
Combat Climate Change ◽  
Political Economic

The development of renewable energy policies in Taiwan has been thoroughly discussed from political, economic, social, industrial and environmental perspectives. Energy policies, particularly those adopted by the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations, have influenced both (1) the decision-making process of energy policies such as action plans, programs and (2) the transition to renewable energies. This paper argues that the transfer of global environmental and energy policies serves as the mechanism behind Taiwan’s efforts to expand renewable energy production. These global policies have so far been practiced by international organizations through agreements designed to combat climate change, achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), and reduce fossil fuel subsidies. This paper examines renewable energy policies and legislation in Taiwan through the lens of policy transfers, an area which has not been fully explored in previous research.

Governing renewables: Policy feedback in a global energy transition

2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 317-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonas Meckling
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
International Cooperation ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Policy Feedback ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Energy Governance ◽  
Market Opportunities

Complex global problems such as climate change have not been met with deep international cooperation but with complex systems of governance across multiple scales. This includes the global governance of renewable energy, the fastest growing source of electric power globally. How did the complex system of governance for renewable energy emerge, evolve, and institutionalize? This article posits that policy feedback on market actors helps to explain the evolution of renewable energy governance. The extent to which policy expands or limits market opportunities for firms shapes significantly the coalitions that emerge in support of new institutions, such as policies and organizations, in global renewable energy governance. This article examines the role of policy feedback for three major periods of renewable energy governance, focusing on a case for each period: (1) the emergence and expansion of domestic policy in Germany’s feed-in tariff, (2) international cooperation in the creation of the International Renewable Energy Agency, and (3) international competition in the European Union-China solar trade dispute. The findings contribute to our understanding of complex interdependence in a policy-driven global energy transition, complementing analyses of domestic energy transitions. They also suggest that policymakers can—to some extent—strategically leverage feedback dynamics to promote market transformations in the absence of comprehensive international cooperation.

Are We on the Cusp of a Global Renewable Energy Transition?

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sybille Roehrkasten
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Supply ◽  
Fossil Fuels ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Accelerated Expansion ◽  
Energy Agency ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Intergovernmental Organization ◽  
Energy Governance ◽  
Global Energy Supply

This chapter examines global energy trends, whether a global renewable energy transition is already taking place, and what steps are needed to further accelerate the global deployment of renewables. It first considers the expansion of renewable energy in light of global energy trends, noting that a global energy transition is not yet a reality but is urgently needed. It then looks at drivers and barriers for an accelerated expansion of renewable energy and proceeds by discussing how renewables are moving from the sidelines to the center stage of global energy governance. In particular, it describes the politics behind the creation of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), an intergovernmental organization on renewable energy, as well as current challenges for global governance on renewable energy. The chapter shows that global renewable energy capacities have grown significantly but that global energy supply is still dominated by fossil fuels.

The Fourth Energy Transition and Development of Energy Sector in Kazakhstan

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 735
Author(s):  
Assem S. BAKTYMBET ◽  
Saule S. BAKTYMBET ◽  
Rakymzhan K. YELSHIBAYEV ◽  
Galiya S. UKUBASSOVA ◽  
Aisara S. BAKTYMBET
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy System ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Energy Industry ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
The World

The relevance of the subject matter is conditioned upon the fact that currently the main direction of global energy development is already clearly visible: under the influence of changes in energy policy and the development of new technologies, the world is entering the stage of the fourth energy transition to the widespread use of renewable energy sources and displacement of fossil fuels. The development of Kazakhstan's economy requires the transition of energy towards clean and safe renewable sources, which will let the country build a new strong economy and break out of the long-running socio-economic decline, help the international community solve the problem of climate change and improve the safety and welfare of its citizens. The purpose of the study: The purpose of the paper is to develop recommendations for the development of Kazakhstan's energy industry at a new stage in the fundamental transformation of the global energy system. Leading approach to researching the problem. The leading methods of researching the problems of the paper include the analysis of theoretical sources, analysis of statistics, and comparison. Analysis of statistical indicators plays a crucial role in the study, since data on the development of Kazakhstan's energy industry can be directly obtained from statistical databases. The results of the study. The paper discusses the essence of the fourth energy transition, its main aspects, explores renewable energy sources, identifies the features and problems of Kazakhstan's energy industry, and develops ways to solve them. Prospects for further research. To implement the modern provisions of the fourth energy transition in Kazakhstan, it is necessary to use a systematic approach. The basic elements of such a transition are the introduction of renewable energy and energy efficiency (the intensification of reducing the energy intensity of goods and services). The materials of the paper are of practical value for the development of Kazakhstan’s energy during the period of fundamental structural transformations of the world energy sector.  

Risky Business? The Energy Charter Treaty, Renewable Energy, and Investor-State Disputes

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 451-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyla Tienhaara ◽  
Christian Downie
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Dispute Settlement ◽  
Law And Economics ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Dispute Settlement Mechanism ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Investment Treaty ◽  
Energy Charter Treaty

Abstract Global energy governance has received increased attention from scholars and policymakers in recent years. Much of the discussion has focused on the inadequacy of the current institutional architecture, particularly in light of the urgent need to decarbonize energy systems. However, little attention has been given to the capacity of global institutions to promote investment in renewable energy. This article considers claims by proponents of the Energy Charter Treaty, the most developed trade and investment treaty in the global energy architecture, that it can play an important role in this regard. Specifically, it examines the ECT’s investor-state dispute settlement mechanism. Drawing on scholarship in global governance, law, and economics and an analysis of recent investor-state disputes, the article argues that there are problems with the assumptions underlying the claims of the ECT’s proponents. Critically, there is still a lack of evidence that the ECT has a positive impact on flows of investment in any sector, including the renewable energy sector. There is also a risk that ISDS could be used by the fossil fuel industry to impede a clean energy transition. States should approach accession to the ECT with caution and consider other mechanisms to reduce risk for renewable energy investors.

scholarly journals Stakeholders’ Recount on the Dynamics of Indonesia’s Renewable Energy Sector

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satya Widya Yudha ◽  
Benny Tjahjono ◽  
Philip Longhurst
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Energy Development ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Renewable Energy Development ◽  
Political Economic

The study describes in this paper uses direct evidence from processes applied for the developing economy of Indonesia, as it defines the trajectory for its future energy policy and energy research agenda. The paper makes explicit the process undertaken by key stakeholders in assessing and determining the suitability, feasibility and dynamics of the renewable energy sector. Barriers and enablers that key in selecting the most suitable renewable energy sources for developing economies for the renewable energy development have been identified from extensive analyses of research documents alongside qualitative data from the focus group discussions (FGD). The selected FGD participants encompass the collective views that cut across the political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental aspects of renewable energy development in Indonesia. The information gained from the FGD gives insights to the outlook and challenges that are central to energy transition within the country, alongside the perceptions of renewable energy development from the influential stakeholders contributing to the process. It is notable that the biggest barriers to transition are centred on planning and implementation aspects, as it is also evident that many in the community do not adhere to the same vision.

scholarly journals Unlocking Opportunities in Renewable Energy Technologies in Africa: The Role of Development Financial Institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-110
Author(s):  
Oluwaseun Viyon Ojo
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Global Energy ◽  
Renewable Energy Technologies ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
The Impact

Climate change and global warming are undeniably undermining global development with developing or emerging economies being the worse hit in this unfortunate development. In recent times, it has become necessary to adopt effective adaptation measures that mitigate the impact of climate change on the social, political, and economic environment. A global shift to low-carbon energy technologies through the gradual integration of renewable energy resources in the global energy mix has been generally proposed. Whilst legal and regulatory initiatives are indeed crucial in driving this global energy transition, it is equally imperative that the necessary capital is unlocked to finance the construction, development, and expansion of renewable energy projects in Africa. This paper focused on examining the impact of renewable energy technologies on climate change mitigation, and analysed the role of Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) in unlocking the vast opportunities associated with renewable energy technologies or projects, with a view to driving the clean energy transition in Africa.

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