Geopolitics of the Energy Transition Explained — Daniel Scholten

16. 1. 2024

This episode of The IR thinker explores the geopolitics of the energy transition with Dr Daniel Scholten, examining how shifting energy systems reshape power relations, security risks and opportunities for international cooperation. The conversation considers the prospects for fossil fuel exporters and global renewable energy companies, the scramble for critical materials, the role of international organisations and energy diplomacy, and emerging research agendas in this rapidly developing field.

Daniel Scholten

Dr Daniel Scholten is Visiting Assistant Professor at the Center for Science, Technology and Environmental Policy at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. A specialist in the geopolitics of the energy transition and the governance of sustainability, he has previously served as strategic adviser on energy and sustainability at the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, taught at Delft University of Technology, and contributed to the IRENA Global Commission on the Geopolitics of Energy Transformation.

Publications:

Handbook on the Geopolitics of the Energy Transition

The new oil? The geopolitics and international governance of hydrogen

Renewable energy and geopolitics: A review

The geopolitics of renewables: New board, new game

The Geopolitics of Renewables

Content

00:00 - Introduction
01:43 - Significance of Geopolitics in Energy Transition
02:45 - Key Geopolitical Expectations in the Energy Transition
09:24 - Identifying the Most Critical Research Area
12:38 - Geopolitical Ramifications for Fossil Fuel Exporting Nations during Energy Transition
18:13 - Prospects for Global Renewable Energy Corporations
20:54 - Geopolitical Dynamics in the Arctic Region
26:39 - Securing Critical Rare Materials for Energy Transition
30:46 - International Organizations and Governance in Energy Transition
37:18 - Role of Energy Diplomacy
43:48 - Geopolitical Cooperation in Energy Transition
48:56 - Security Implications of Energy Transition
54:20 - Research Trends and Methodologies in Geopolitics of Energy Transition