Energy Corridor Research Articles

A Glimpse of the Energy Transition: Utah’s New Energy Corridor

A Glimpse of the Energy Transition: Utah’s New Energy Corridor

A Bridge No More? Turkiye’s Geopolitical Significance in the Twenty-first Century

This article scrutinises popular convictions about Turkiye’s ‘bridge’ status between Asia and Europe in the twenty-first century. Unlike during the Cold War, when Turkiye enjoyed geopolitical leverage due to its proximity to Europe and the Soviet Union, today’s geopolitics is shaped by China’s rise and the shift of commercial nodes away from the Atlantic and towards the Pacific. This renders Turkiye a peripheral actor in Asia-to-Europe commodity flows, as well as in the ongoing rivalry between Washington and Beijing. Other factors adversely affecting Turkiye’s geopolitical significance include the decarbonisation process and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The European Union’s declining demand for fossil fuels challenges Turkiye’s ambition to become an energy corridor between Central Asia and Europe. Likewise, Turkiye’s secondary role in the global supply chains for technology (semiconductors, cobalt, silicon) is undermining its bridge status.

DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY TRANSPORT CORRIDORS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AS THE BASIS OF REGIONAL CONFLICTS

Purpose of the study. The article examines the problems of vulnerability of energy transport corridors in the Middle East and their impact on the global economy. The role of geopolitical actors such as the USA, Russia and China on the development of relations between the countries of the Middle East and the resulting tension in the region due to their rivalry are analyzed. A brief overview of the reasons why a number of countries in the region have problems when planning and creating new transport and energy corridors connecting the region with other countries of the world is given. It is concluded that the development of energy transport corridors in the Middle East serves as both a source of development and a catalyst for regional conflicts. Understanding this relationship between energy strategies, geopolitics and conflict is an important aspect for developing sustainable and peaceful solutions in this strategically important region.

Hydrogen corridors in Europe: strategies and countries involved

The European Union and other countries worldwide have identified fossil-free hydrogen as a key resource for implementing the transition to a low-carbon economy. The European Commission, which had already emphasised the importance of the hydrogen economy within the Green Deal Industrial Plan, has recently quantified the import target for 2030, 2024, and 2050. Unlike oil and gas reserves, renewable energy and green hydrogen have numerous potential producing or supplying countries; therefore, identifying trading partners requires several research and policy initiatives and the adoption of both technoeconomic and political criteria. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prospect for the development of future hydrogen energy corridors and how European states are organising their political and transport strategies. These strategies design international transport and logistics chains that include the entire hydrogen value chain (production, export, storage and consumption). A new transport and logistics structure is expected for the energy distribution of this vector. Networks and transport nodes will be substantially involved in anticipation of an increase in demand for this type of energy carrier, both in the vicinity of ports, due to industrial demand, and within ports, for the transport and storage of this resource, assuming the increasingly central role of energy hubs and making their role more and more complex, going beyond the classic connotation of intermodal nodes.

Study on the Legal Regime of Energy Corridor Governance under the "Belt and Road" Initiative

The "Belt and Road" is closely linked to the concept of a community of shared destiny, and involves political, economic, cultural, energy and other aspects of cooperation between China and the countries and regions along the route, of which energy cooperation is an important part of the "Belt and Road", and energy corridors are the focus of sustainable cooperation in the energy sector. Energy cooperation is an important part of the "Belt and Road", and energy corridors are the focus of sustainable energy cooperation. The energy corridors of the "Belt and Road" are cross-border energy transport corridors, which face greater risks due to their long mileage, large-scale investment and long cycle. However, there is no unified international energy organisation, and international energy laws and regulations are scattered in various international treaties, which makes the system confusing and fragmented, and fails to meet the needs of energy corridor governance in the context of the "Belt and Road" initiative. This paper gives relevant suggestions on the improvement of the legal system for the governance of international energy cooperation corridors in the context of the "Belt and Road" Initiative from four aspects: improving the legal basis, clarifying the main body of responsibilities, clarifying the jurisdiction, and improving the dispute settlement mechanism. It provides theoretical support for the improvement of the legal system of energy corridor governance in the context of the "Belt and Road" initiative, and promotes the construction of the "Belt and Road" regional energy community of destiny.

Economy-wide and environmental benefits of green energy development in oil-rich countries: Evidence from Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, which is an oil/ gas-rich country, has been taking full advantage of its energy potential and taking steps towards creating green energy and turning it into an export. The Green Energy Corridor, in which Azerbaijan plays the main role, aims to connect Azerbaijan with Europe in its first stage. In the second stage, this corridor will connect Central Asia with Europe, which will involve the laying of an electric cable under the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. This will allow Azerbaijan and other Central Asian countries to export zero-carbon electricity to the European market. If Azerbaijan is successful in this field, it will not only serve the sustainability of the country?s economy in the post-oil era, but will also contribute to the reduction in carbon emissions, leading to global benefits. The aim of this article is to assess the socioeconomic, ecological, and political benefits of green energy deployment in Azerbaijan. An economic cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted for selected green energy projects (large-scale wind and solar power plants). We also argue that green transition projects, which seem expensive and difficult to realise today, will be justified in the near future.

Թուրքիայի փափուկ ուժի կիրառման նավթային գործոնը Վրաստանի հանդեպ / Oil Factor of Turkey in applying soft power over Georgia

The main purpose of the article is to analyze the symbiotic relationship between Turkey and Georgia, explaining how the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline serves as the cornerstone of their bilateral relationship. Thanks to the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, Turkey and Georgia have created a reliable energy corridor, strengthening their geopolitical importance and reducing their dependence on traditional energy routes. This cooperation not only strengthened their economic interdependence, but also increased their strategic importance in the broader regional context. The article reflects not only the steps envisaged for oil transportation, Turkey's soft power policy, but also the strong partnership between Turkey and Georgia and evidence of interconnected interests.

О возможности продления сроков эксплуатации автозимников с использованием возобновляемых источников энергии

It is hard to overestimate the role of winter roads in the land logistics of the northern regions. In recent years, climate change has not only significantly reduced the service life of winter roads, but also made them less predictable. This forces transportation to increase in intensity, often at the expense of safety, or to stop that suddenly, leaving vehicles and equipment unused for long periods and disrupting project deadlines. Therefore, extending the service life of winter roads and reducing dependence on local weather conditions is a very urgent task. To solve it, we considered the possibility of applying our previously proposed method of thermal stabilization of frozen ground using solar panels and heat pumps, and estimated the associated costs. Our calculations have shown that it is possible to extend significantly the service life of unpaved winter roads, up to year-round use, in the case of using the most lightweight road pavement without creating a cushion. The approach can contribute to solving a whole range of problems of sustainable development of the Russian Arctic territories by creating transport and energy corridors.

EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF THE CHINA-PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (CPEC): A GATEWAY TO REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY AND INTEGRATION WITHIN THE SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANIZATION (SCO)

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was founded as the "Shanghai Five" in 1996, and since becoming the SCO in 2001, it has made significant progress in a number of fields, especially in the areas of security and the economy. At the 17th Astana summit, Pakistan's accession to the SCO has further highlighted the strategic significance of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The aim of this study is to examine the potential features of the CPEC regional connectivity between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, as well as its numerous positive outcomes for its members. This research is not only a review of the literature, but also an in-depth understanding of the primary sources. Primary data has been gathered while using a qualitative research methodology. Further, a semi-structured interview approach is used in which 20 participants have been interviewed. The study findings suggest that the CPEC is an exceptional economic corridor that sets it apart from other corridors in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), providing promising prospects for SCO member states in terms of regional connectivity, enhanced economic cooperation, and energy corridor development in the future.

Cultural Impact of CPEC on Pakistan and China

This article explores the cultural impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on both Pakistan and China. CPEC is a multi-billion dollar infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity between the two countries through the construction of roads, railways, industrial zones, energy corridors, and other infrastructure. While much attention has been paid to the economic and geopolitical implications of CPEC, this article focuses on its cultural implications. Through an analysis of media coverage and a review of scholarly literature, this article examines how CPEC has affected cultural exchange, identity formation, and perceptions of China and Pakistan among their respective populations. It finds that CPEC has led to increased cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries that lead to improved bilateral relations between the two long-lasting friendly nations, Pakistan and China. These findings have important implications for policymakers and suggest the need for a more nuanced approach to cultural diplomacy in the context of CPEC.

Integrated energy corridor: a comprehensive proposal of the low-carbon transition for China Energy Group

Abstract New energy is considered to be an indispensable means to significantly reduce carbon emissions and to achieve the temperature-control goals defined by the Paris Climate Accord. Despite the bright future, the inherent characteristics, including volatility, intermittency and uneven seasonal and geographical distributions, and the rapid growth of installations make it increasingly difficult to connect green electricity to grids. This becomes a dominating bottleneck for the low-carbon transition of China Energy Group (CE). This paper aims to help with the implementation of the new-energy development plan and to define the low-carbon energy-transition path for CE. Based on the current industry structure of CE, Shenhua Engineering Technology Co., Ltd proposes the concept of an ‘integrated energy corridor’. The integrated energy corridor represents a comprehensive energy-transmission channel with coal, green electricity, green hydrogen, green oxygen and other green energy products such as transmission media, railways, pipelines and power grids as transmission means and thermal power, coal chemical plants, cities, etc. along the route as new-energy consumers and regulators. The integrated energy corridor can support the rapid development of new-energy assets and the low-carbon transition of CE.

Pakistan and Central Asian Republics: Cooperation and Opportunities -Trade and Energy corridors

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, natural resource-rich Central Asia, located in the heart of Asia, became an arena of struggle for sphere of influence between global and regional players, the competition between which continues and affects the security situation in Central Asia. The purpose of this report is to identify the main problems and prospects of cooperation between Pakistan and Central Asia, including in the context of the current dynamics of the situation in Afghanistan. The following methods were used in the research of this topic: systemic, historical, comparative, and interdisciplinary approaches. The report examines the Pakistani factor and its peculiarities in Central Asia. An attempt was made to assess the Pakistani factor in Central Asia, the drivers of its policy and its changing role in recent years. The advantages and disadvantages of Pakistan in building its policy toward the countries of the Central Asian region are analyzed. Particular attention is paid to energy and transport-logistics cooperation between Islamabad and Central Asian countries.

Russia, the USA and the Arctic. Part 1. Climate changes: economic opportunities and ecological challenges

The article is devoted to the analysis of the primary background issues for the growth of the conflict potential of the US-Russia relations in the Arctic region. The author focuses on the great importance of the region for Russia, paying special attention to the huge reserves of natural resources, as well as the historical context of the Arctic development. He describes the significance of the Northern Sea Route and its role as an energy corridor. In conclusion, the article highlights several environmental problems, primarily climate change and ice melting. Their solution creates common interests for Russia, the United States of America and other Arctic countries.

Монголия: внешняя торговля и развитие инфраструктуры

The paper reveals the modern specifics of the economy and plans for the development of infrastructure in Mongolia. The influence of anti-COVID restrictions on foreign trade is being studied. It is shown that the problems of export and raw material development and inland Mongolian isolation in the face of restrictions on crossing the border with China for vehicles were exacerbated by the poor development of the railway network. As a result of these restrictions, coal production and exports from Mongolia to China more than halved in 2020–2021. Together with the fall in coal prices in 2020 and the collapse in the services sector, this led to the deepest recession in the Mongolian economy since 1992. Plans for the development of international transport and energy corridors through Mongolia are being considered. Based on actual data, the insignificant role of Mongolia in the dynamically growing transit of container cargo in the direction of China–Europe–China is shown. The unsatisfactory condition of the Trans-Mongolian Railway and the absence of railways in a number of promising directions of freight flows prevent the full realization of the transit potential of Mongolian freight traffic. In connection with Russia’s reorientation of export flows to Asia, the Eastern Railway Corridor stands out as a promising corridor through Mongolia. A strategically significant initiative, which in the context of anti-Russian sanctions will seriously strengthen economic cooperation in the regional triangle Russia-Mongolia-China, is the plan to build a Soyuz-Vostok transit gas pipeline through Mongolia. This project will allow redirecting gas supplies from the West Siberian region of Russia, previously supplied to Europe, directly to the capital region of China. Mongolia is also interested in the implementation of this large-scale project, which seeks to obtain new opportunities for economic development. The implementation of these infrastructure development plans will allow Mongolia to not only take advantage of its location between Russia and China and strengthen the economic base for cooperation with them, but also, in general, lay the foundation for economic diversification and deeper integration into the global economic system.

Энергетические инициативы Шанхайской организации сотрудничества

Sustainable energy supply and the more complex concept of energy security that has developed are a condition and guarantee for ensuring economic growth. The achievement of this task seems possible in the current situation, provided that joint efforts are combined within the framework of integration associations. For Russia, the SCO is chosen as a reliable outpost – a circle of friendly states, the basis of relations with each of which is many years of experience in reliable cooperation. For example, in order to ensure the full realization of Russia’s export potential, on the one hand, and to meet the growing energy demand from Asian partners, on the other hand, programs are being developed and projects are being implemented to create appropriate trunk transport and energy corridors. Thus, in the eastern direction, the construction of the Power of Siberia main gas pipeline has been completed, the design of the Power of Siberia‑2 main pipeline is underway, work continues to increase the capacity of the transport infrastructure, and the task is to modernize and expand the main infrastructure. Recognizing the need to guarantee the right of all states and peoples to energy security while providing access to reliable, sustainable and modern energy sources, and taking into account current energy trends in the use of clean and low-carbon energy sources, the SCO, in a statement issued in 2022, laid the foundation for its own energy course the common and complementary benefits of fossil fuels and clean energy sources, while taking into account the conditions and characteristics of each state. Ways and directions for expanding the energy cooperation of the member states of this integration association, taking into account the identified priorities, will be studied in this article.

ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ РАЗВИТИЯ РОССИЙСКО-КИТАЙСКОГО ЭНЕРГЕТИЧЕСКОГО СОТРУДНИЧЕСТВА И КООПЕРАЦИИ

Russian-Chinese energy cooperation is one of the most promising areas for the development of bilateral relations between the two states. China is the world’s largest energy consumer, and Russia is one of the largest producers of oil and gas. This makes it possible to establish a strong partnership between the countries in question in the energy sector. The urgency of the development of Russian-Chinese energy cooperation lies in the need to ensure economic growth and stability of both countries. China’s rapid economic growth leads to an ever-growing demand for energy, which can cause certain difficulties for its own production and imports. In turn, Russia needs to diversify its exports and look for new markets for its energy resources. In recent years, Russia has been actively involved in the implementation of China’s largest infrastructure project “One Belt, One Road”. This project provides for the creation of a network of transport and energy corridors connecting the countries of Eurasia, Asia and Africa. Russia is a key partner of China in this project. The purpose of the article is to determine the opportunities and prospects for the development of Russian- Chinese energy cooperation.

Myanmar – China: Beijing’s Strategic Interests and Instruments of Influence

The military leadership of Myanmar being under conditions of international sanctions and having a difficult economic situation have to approach China. In the foreign policy of the PRC, Myanmar has also acquired a great geostrategic importance. Getting direct transport access to the Indian Ocean through Myanmar stimulates the export-oriented development of the south-western provinces of the PRC and also forms a safe energy corridor for the import of hydrocarbons bypassing the Malacca Strait. China is implementing many infrastructure projects in Myanmar as part of connecting Myanmar to the Belt and Road Initiative. China as a powerful economic actor is an important source of energy for modern technologies, helping to modernize Myanmar’s economy, creates jobs. At the same time, the growth of Chinese capital in the economy of Myanmar and the political influence of Beijing on the military also cause negative reactions at the grass-roots level. China retains its historical leverage over the Myanmar leadership in the form of ethnic armed organizations (EAO) and plays an important role in the process of national reconciliation in Myanmar. At the same time, the activities of various criminal structures in the Sino-Myanmar border area have a negative impact on the southwestern regions of China.

China Pakistan Economic Corridor: Its Prospects and Implications for Gwadar and Balochistan

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a multibillion-dollar project of direct investment in a corridor of energy and infrastructure. Besides, there are good potential prospects like the construction of port and road facilities, airports, and energy corridors. It has implications for Balochistan and Gwadar. Although previous studies have highlighted the problems of Balochistan, this paper presents a theoretical framework with reference to the economic corridor. The study has a hypothesis: Baloch people have some reservations about multi-purpose projects. It has impacted the geographic and demographic profile of Balochistan. Other projects are waiting for consideration, such as those related to the water shortage, technical and vocational centers, and employment opportunities. The purpose of this study is to examine the implications and prospects. Every project should aim to facilitate the local masses. The government should shrink dependency and focus on imports, trade imbalances, and foreign loans to resurface its image for elections. It has been discovered that CPEC will cause social change and stratification, as well as Communist influence on minds and effects on aquatic life at Gwadar Harbor. The study suggests: 7% of Gwadar Port Authority revenue for Gwadar and Balochistan; job quotas; parity; public-private partnerships; etc. Finally, it concludes that Gwadar and Balochistan are not reaping immense benefits from this billionaire project. Under the 18th Amendment, Gwadar should be subject to the Balochistan government, the province should be autonomous, etc. Data was gathered through secondary sources such as printed and electronic media. Besides, theoretical, and conceptual frameworks are present in the paper. This is a qualitative study with deductive reasoning to analyze and interpret the collected data.

Pooling Regional Energy between China, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, and Russia

This paper assesses the energy requirements and potential of China, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Turkey in the context of the geostrategic locations of these countries. It notes that the demand, potential, andactual supply of energy in these countries make a viable prospect for a framework, whereby these countries pool their energy together for the benefit of each country. While there are certain initiatives already in place, there is potential for more bilateral or regional energy-sharing initiatives. The current and proposed frameworks of energy-sharing have laid an infrastructure of pipelines or communication corridors. Based on these factors, the paper proposes an energy corridor between these countries, titled ‘Golden Ring Energy Corridor’ (GREC). This corridor will connect the ‘golden ring countries’ to enable energy trade through pipeline, land, and sea routes among these states. A strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis of the proposed corridor takes account of the various internal and external factors that have the potential to contribute positively or negatively towards the completion and viability of this corridor. Some countermeasures have also been suggested so that the implementation of this corridor can be realized.

Fracking and Traffic Crashes in Eagle Ford Shale of Texas

Fracking is used in the extraction of crude oil and natural gas from deep seated sedimentary rocks. The ubiquitous use of heavy trucks in fracking leads to traffic congestion and damages to the existing infrastructure in energy producing corridors. This makes driving hazardous for drivers of both commodity and passenger carriers, leading to traffic crashes near fracking sites. In this exploratory study, the case of Eagle Ford Shale of Texas has been analyzed to determine the impacts if any, of the variables of energy production, truck vehicle miles traveled, and other socio-economic factors on traffic crashes. Using both descriptive and statistical analyses of data, it has been found that some of the aforementioned variables have an impact on traffic crashes in the energy producing corridor. Based on the study’s findings, appropriate recommendations to reduce traffic crashes in this energy corridor have been made.