Geopolitics Of Renewables

THE OPTIMISM AROUND THE “RENEWABLES-FORPEACE” NARRATIVE HAS DIMINISHED.

- Niharika Tagotra

Geopolitical assertions about the power of the renewables to usher in greater co-operation among countries are being falsified by recent developments. If anything, renewables have been pivotal in sparking what many refer to as the US-China trade war while several new players emerging as competitors in the sector may well lead to increased trade tension.

The potential role of conventional energy resources in sparking conflicts among countries has been proven, historically, over time. However, when renewables came to the fore in the global energy space, it was argued that conventional geopolitics around conventional energy resources might die its natural death as the control of resources – the primary cause of conflicts – was virtually absent in renewables. It was also hoped that the countries’ common end goal of combating climate change could propel greater co-operation in increasing the share of renewables in their energy mix. Renewables were also the easy answer to questions posed by the dilemma between economic growth and environmental costs.