Energy Partnership Research Articles

Möglichkeiten der Verknüpfung qualitativer und quantitativer Zugänge – Narrative von Wasserstoff

Narratives (defined as a discursive structure based on local and temporal indications and actors as part of a development of action helping to solve problems) are similar to linguistic phenomena such as metaphors or argumentative patterns usually analyzed in qualitative linguistic research. In this paper, our idea is to combine these qualitative linguistic methods with quantitative corpus linguistic approaches such as named entity recognition (NER). We present a pilot study in which we use current NER technology to semi-automatically detect the narrative of energy partnership in media discourse. Based on a manual pre-study of a part of our corpus, we defined detectable expressions with a semantic relation to the subject that we link to occurrences of the narrative. Our study shows that the automatic detection of narratives still proves to be difficult, yet using NER we could identify pre-defined narratives in our corpus. This shows that quantitative approaches can support qualitative text analysis and should therefore be considered when working with digital corpora to gain extensive insights into the material.

Transforming the rhetoric of Just Energy Transition Partnerships into reality: The devil lies in the details

Urgent political action is required to arrest the rise in global temperature within the 1.5°C target of the Paris Agreement. Rising to this challenge, a series of Just Transition Energy Partnerships (JETPs) was launched between individual Global South and a group of Global North countries since COP 26 in Glasgow. Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union (International Partner Group or IPG countries) have established plurilateral partnerships with individual countries like South Africa, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Senegal in each JETP. These partnerships aim to help IPG countries provide long-term support to partner countries in the Global South to disengage from coal and convert to renewables for electricity generation. However, though ’just transitions’ and ’partnerships’ are potent ideas to drive such processes, it is challenging to translate these ideas from political rhetoric to policies. This paper argues that JETPs are treading on a narrow edge with a high chance of re-instantiating some of the criticism of partnerships between Global North and Global South countries that can detrimentally affect the chances of just transition. Based on academic literature on partnerships and just transition, the paper concludes that the devil lies in the details. Formalizing processes that deliver a just and fair energy transition should align with the Global South countries’ social, economic, and political realities.

Examining the Impact of Pakistan-China Energy Collaborations on Poverty Reduction in Pakistan

The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a pivotal bilateral initiative aimed at alleviating poverty in Pakistan by enhancing its energy infrastructure. This project focuses on developing crucial energy resources through the construction of power plants and the expansion of transmission networks, ensuring stable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply nationwide. This paper investigates CPEC's role in diversifying Pakistan's energy mix, integrating both conventional and renewable sources such as hydroelectric, coal, solar, wind, and nuclear power. This diversification aims to decrease Pakistan’s dependence on costly energy imports from the Gulf States, thereby improving energy security and promoting economic independence, essential for regional poverty alleviation. Utilizing qualitative research methodologies, this study examines the extensive social and economic impacts of these energy developments. By synthesizing various secondary data sources and applying thematic analysis, the research evaluates how enhanced energy security through CPEC can drive socio-economic progress and reduce poverty in Pakistan. The study offers valuable insights into energy geopolitics and economic development strategies, underscoring the significance of international energy partnerships like CPEC in transforming energy infrastructures and fostering economic growth in developing nations. Through detailed analysis, the paper highlights CPEC as a critical economic lifeline, essential for boosting Pakistan's energy self-sufficiency and accelerating economic growth. Consequently, CPEC emerges as a vital element in the broader strategy for poverty mitigation in Pakistan, emphasizing its importance in sustainable development and international economic cooperation.

Session 26. Oral Presentation for: Australia–Japan energy partnerships for regional security and decarbonisation

Session 26. Oral Presentation for: Australia–Japan energy partnerships for regional security and decarbonisation

AN EVOLVING ENERGY PARTNERSHIP: THE EUROPEAN UNION AND AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan is a fossil fuel exporter that the EU has paid special attention to since it began prioritizing energy security. This study analyzes the EU’s positioning of Azerbaijan within its foreign energy policy. The article presents a chronological analysis of the significant events and dynamics of the past two decades from both EU and Azerbaijan perspectives, with reference largely to official documents. The gradual rise of Azerbaijan on the EU energy agenda is attributed to the EU’s dependence on Russian fossil resources and the Russia-Ukraine energy crises. The article also focuses on the specific example of how Azerbaijan’s advantage in energy bargaining has created an exception in the EU’s normative neighborhood relations. Most recently, this energy partnership relationship has been evolving to include non-fossil resources as well.

Climate Impacts and Institutionalization in Viet Nam

In this article, we present an economy-wide assessment of the economic impacts of climate change in Viet Nam under a net zero scenario. Viet Nam is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in the Asia - Pacific region. The changes in political and socio-economic conditions since the Đổi Mới reforms have been accompanied by the progressive building of new environmental policies. A specific form of Vietnamese environmental State has emerged, climaxing in the Net Zero announcement of Viet Nam at COP26 and its participation in the Just Transition Energy Partnership coalition. At the same time, the ongoing climate crisis makes it crucial to assess the climate change impacts for policy planning at the macroeconomic level. The loss due to climate change could prevent Viet Nam from achieving its development target of becoming an industrialized country by 2045, let alone reaching the Net Zero ambition. In addition, we consider how climate change and the political discourse on climate change are currently progressively institutionalized and becoming an integral component of Vietnamese social dynamics.

The China–GCC Partnership in Security, Energy, and Infrastructure

ABSTRACT: China’s growing global ambitions are increasingly shaping the Arab Gulf region, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council member states (GCC): Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Given the geopolitical and strategic importance of the region to the global community and China’s growing role in the region, relations between China and the GCC are of paramount importance. This article sheds light on China’s role in the GCC region. Based on the three fields of (security) political cooperation, energy partnership, and economic cooperation as well as infrastructure projects, the motives and interests of the actors for cooperation are highlighted. Both sides are pursuing a hedging strategy. Given its energy demand, China is interested in regional stability and prioritizes this in its 1+2+3 framework. Political and military power is used to a minimum. As oil exporters, the GCC states depend on the Chinese energy market and are attempting to use it to drive their desired economic diversification and modernization. The great power rivalry gives the Gulf states greater flexibility to adapt their foreign policy when it comes to choosing pragmatic alliances to achieve.

Autarky penalty versus system cost effects for Europe of large-scale renewable energy imports from North Africa

We quantify in more detail than earlier studies the cost trade-offs of establishing import-export links between Europe and North Africa for two quintessential energy carriers needed for the energy transition: electricity and hydrogen. Using the TIAM-ECN model, we show under what assumptions Europe will make a net energy system cost gain or, inversely, pay a net price for exploiting such interlinkages. We find that allowing for trade of renewable energy between Europe and North Africa substantially reduces the EU's domestic renewable energy capacity investments needed to implement its Green Deal and Fit for 55 Programme. In addition to creating import-export scenarios for electricity and hydrogen across the Mediterranean and investigating the cost implications of a European-African energy partnership until 2050, we perform a detailed sensitivity analysis regarding possible technological developments and sectoral shifts, as well as vis-à-vis potential cost, sectoral and technical asymmetries between Europe and North Africa. We introduce a new concept in energy analysis, autarky penalty, which is the price paid by a region for restricting energy trade with its neighbors. If domestic hydrogen production from solar and wind energy through electrolysis is constrained, Europe's autarky penalty may increase to 30 billion $ annually by 2050.

International law in the China–Russian energy partnership: mapping the partnership-based relational approach

Abstract Over the past decades, the China–Russian energy partnership has become firmly established. Significant milestones such as the 2009 oil and the 2014 gas deals demonstrate the geopolitical impact of this partnership. The article finds that the China–Russian energy cooperation uses a partnership-based relational approach that eschews rulemaking by treaty. Instead, the legal framework of this partnership is multi-layered and has distinct features. It relies heavily on bilateralism, pragmatic cooperation, and non-binding commitments. A range of instruments applies at the bilateral level, including a bilateral investment treaty, energy cooperation agreements, intergovernmental agreements on significant energy deals, and many joint communiques and statements of a soft law nature. Regarding regional energy governance, China and Russia prefer different approaches, as reflected in their participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Eurasian Economic Union, and the Belt and Road Initiative. While these regional mechanisms contribute to the energy partnership, their impact on the legal framework is limited.

Whatever Happened to the Australian Role in the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership?

In 2003, Iraq was invaded, ostensibly to remove a nuclear threat, by a coalition led by George W. Bush. At the same time select allies were invitited to participate in Bush's Global Nuclear Energy Partnership which aimed to limit the spread of nuclear enrichment and reprocessing. This came as climate change gave emphasis to the development of nuclear energy, especially in Asia. With an abundant supply of uranium and strict nuclear safeguards, Australia was well placed to provide a site for the full suite of nuclear services. The recent AUKUS nuclear submarine agreement has underscored its failure to do so. This article makes the case for the adoption of nuclear power as a necessary step in the development of advanced manufacturing; the provision of a domestic capability to fuel nuclear attack submarines and other naval craft; and as a contribution to global nuclear non‐proliferation.

Social innovation and global citizenship: Guiding principles for sustainable, just and democratic energy transition in cities

In this paper, we examine the relationship of global citizenship to social innovation and propose a set of guiding principles to facilitate sustainable, just and democratic energy transitions in cities. We applied a participatory research approach beginning with interviews with stakeholders with expertise in citizenship, participation, or energy research and policy to develop search criteria, which were used to create a shortlist of 20 European citizen-driven energy projects. The criteria were: 1) democratic governance; 2) civil empowerment and capacity building; 3) human rights approach; 4) diversity of actors; and 5) sustainability. Key informants with relevant expertise were asked to score the 20 cases based on the search criteria, leading to a final selection of six exemplar cases from across Europe. Highlights from these initiatives included: empowerment of young community members in making decisions about the city's climate change response (Manchester), including citizen board members as regulators of energy partnerships (Viladecans), democratising activities through open voting (Leuven), and enabling community members to decide how to spend the surplus from collective energy purchases (Brixton). We argue that the integrated application of the global citizenship and social innovation concepts reveals a “sweet spot” at the interface between them that aids practical application. Social innovation perspectives can help depoliticise ideological positions around energy by bringing together “communities of makers”, while global citizenship concepts help to orient innovative proposals more clearly around social justice and environmental objectives. The five criteria are proposed as guiding principles to aid city authorities in energy transition contexts.

China’s Energy Diplomacy to Coal Imports from Indonesia After Restricting Coal Import from Australia in 2019

Abstract. This study aims to analyze China's energy diplomacy regarding coal imports from Indonesia after restricting coal imports from Australia in 2019. After China limits coal imports from Australia in 2019, the supply of Chinese coal imports will decrease. This makes China need to increase its coal imports from other countries, one of which is Indonesia. Indonesia is one of the largest coal-exporting countries in the world. This can be used by China to meet its coal import needs. The author uses three indicators of Wang & Xu's energy diplomacy, namely dialogue between countries related to energy, government involvement in energy partnerships, and public energy diplomacy activities. The author uses qualitative research methods and internet-based research as data collection techniques. The findings in this study are: First, the dialogue between China and Indonesia, namely the meeting on 10 April 2019, the cooperation agreement on 24 May 2019 and 25 November 2020. Second, the Chinese government was involved in carrying out a cooperation agreement with Indonesia. Third, two Chinese non-state actors, namely CNCA and CCTDA.

Where are Russia–China energy relations headed? A regime analysis

ABSTRACT Recent analyses of the relations between Russia and China over the issue of energy have principally focused on the influence of exogenous forces, but have seldom addressed the intrinsic motivations that have shaped this energy partnership from within. This article argues that this oversight can be remedied through an analysis of the regime that gives prominence to the internal interactions of relevant stakeholders. By examining the three constituent elements of this energy partnership – interest articulation, negotiation mechanisms, and mutual recognition – this article argues that developments of relevant internal factors are generating cohesive forces that strengthen the partnership from within, thereby fleshing out a resilient energy regime that is becoming self-sustaining and even self-reinforcing. In addition to shedding novel light on the nature of the Russia–China energy partnership, a regime analysis provides valuable insights into its future trajectory.

Design of Off-Grid Lighting Business Models to Serve the Poor: Field Experiments and Structural Analysis

A significant proportion of the world’s population has no access to grid-based electricity and so relies on off-grid lighting solutions. Rechargeable lamp technology is gaining popularity as an alternative off-grid lighting model in developing countries. In this paper, we explore consumer behavior and the operational inefficiencies that result under this model. Specifically, we are interested in (i) measuring the impact of inconvenience (of traveling to recharge the lamp) along with the impact of liquidity constraints (because of poverty) on lamp usage and (ii) evaluating the efficacy of strategies that address these factors. We build a structural model of consumers’ recharge decisions that incorporates several operational features of the low-income regions. We conducted large-scale field experiments in Rwanda in partnership with a local rechargeable lamp operator and use the resultant data to estimate and test our model. We find that the complete removal of inconvenience and liquidity constraints from the current business model results in 73% and 126% increases in both recharges and revenue, thereby suggesting that these constraints are major sources of inefficiency. By implementing simple operations-based strategies—such as starting more recharge centers, visiting consumers periodically to collect their lamps for recharge, and allowing consumers to partially recharge their lamps and pay flexibly for the recharge—more than half the benefit of completely eliminating the inefficiencies can be attained. By contrast, the price- and capacity-based strategies that vary the economic variables (i.e., the amount paid per recharge and the amount of light obtained in return) but not the operational model perform far worse than the aforementioned strategies. Overall, our analysis emphasizes the importance of managing operations effectively even in markets with cash-constrained consumers, in which firms may have a natural tendency to focus more on reducing prices. This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management. Funding: This work was supported by the International Growth Centre; Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; and Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires; The Environment and Energy Partnership; Grand Challenges Canada (Stars in Global Health); INSEAD’s Emerging Markets Institute; INSEAD’s Randomized Controlled Trials Laboratory; the INSEAD–Wharton Alliance, and International Growth Centre. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4844 .

India, the Inevitable? How the War in Ukraine Shapes EU-India Energy Relations

In the wake of global energy shortages that were triggered or intensified by the Russian war in Ukraine, the search for reliable and sustainable resources is intensifying. Consequently, both new energy partnerships and the expansion of existing agreements are pushed by EU member states. In this article, we examine these trends with a particular eye on green hydrogen and its role in the cooperation between India and the EU. Not only in this context is this ‘fuel of the considered’ a climate hope and an economic miracle cure and therefore it increasingly takes on a central role in the apparently growing overtures of the EU to its partners in the Indo-Pacific in general, and India in particular, especially in, but not limited to, the field of energy. With India’s growing geopolitical stature and confidence, which is most visible in its focus on strategic autonomy and neutrality in regard to the war in Ukraine, as well as its – at times – increasingly divergent political values in comparison to some of its European partners, the content and scope of the currently underdeveloped partnership continues to be in question.

Beyond Energy Cooperation: People-to-people Exchanges Between China and Saudi Arabia

Abstract People-to-people and cultural exchanges shape political mutual trust based on value recognition, which constitutes the premise and foundation for the establishment of a long-term stable cooperative relationship between China and Saudi Arabia, and has become a significant driving force for China and Saudi Arabia to surpass their traditional energy partnership and build an all-round cooperation pattern. While consolidating cooperation in traditional fields, China and Saudi Arabia are also constantly developing new areas of cooperation and growth points. People-to-people exchanges between the two sides are witnessing new trends in the rise of youth exchanges, the heating up of “Chinese fever”, the exploration of joint archaeology and digital transformation, while still facing a series of challenges such as periodic turmoil in the Middle East, differences in national conditions, discourse interference, lagging software and hardware construction, limited supply of cultural products, and low accuracy of cultural communication. In the future, China and Saudi Arabia need deepen their people-to-people and cultural exchanges by improving the strategic layout, strengthening resource allocation, innovating communication forms and achieving the integration of culture and tourism, thus these exchanges can play a more prominent role in promoting a new pattern of China-Saudi relations that goes beyond traditional energy partnership to further enrich their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Rebooting India-GCC Energy Partnerships: Hydrogen as a Fuel for the Future

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States have over the decades proved to be dependable partners in India’s energy security. However, the energy transition necessitates examining its impact on the India-GCC energy partnership. Will India-GCC energy partnership last the transition from hydrocarbons to renewables? What will be its medium- and long-term impact? Can hydrogen replace hydrocarbons as the vehicle for India-GCC energy cooperation? This article answers some of these questions based on a systematic study of innovation in the field of hydrogen as a fuel, India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and the growing investments in capacity building in hydrogen production in the GCC States.

Geopolitics of Energy: Pakistan-China Energy and Economic Corridor for Poverty Alleviation in Pakistan

The growing energy partnership between China and Pakistan is one of the most promising avenues for reducing poverty in Pakistan. This China-Pakistan Energy Cooperation has a strong potential to address the energy crisis in Pakistan that is a high priority. Opportunities for energy cooperation, such as building power plants, transmission lines, and other infrastructure, have expanded due to this partnership. The collaboration in this arena has helped reduce poverty and boost economic growth in Pakistan by giving the country access to abundant and low-cost energy resources. This paper tries to explore China’s cooperation in building energy infrastructure in Pakistan and a paradigm shift towards renewable energy resources such as hydel, coal, solar, wind and nuclear will reduce its reliance on the Gulf States. The objective of this paper is to investigate China and Pakistan's energy cooperation after realizing its potential that can help reduce poverty in Pakistan. The discussion, analysis and findings indicate that energy security will reduce poverty and lead to economic prosperity in Pakistan.

A review of large-scale renewable energy partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations in Canada

In this paper, a review of Indigenous engagement in renewable energy projects is conducted and the main elements of energy partnerships between stakeholders and Indigenous partners are discussed. In recent years, Canada has witnessed more significant Indigenous involvement in economic and energy development projects than ever before. For large-scale energy partnerships, the focus is on engagement, financial capital, community buy-in (readiness, and entrepreneurial and business skills), and benefits-sharing with community partners. Equity-ownership, reconciliation, and self-determination intersect with and impact the benefits and sustainability of energy projects, as they are interrelated in the framework of most energy partnerships. This paper illustrates policy disconnects in connection with partnership-making, social outcomes, and decision-making among Indigenous communities. Furthermore, findings from relevant literature explore the nuanced discourse on social implications and capacity challenges that interlink with climate adaptation and reconciliation when promoting large-scale renewable energy partnerships with Indigenous communities. Through a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the literature, we found 80 relevant studies during the screening process, of which 33 were selected for the synthesis. Findings demonstrate that the Crown, energy companies, and community partners need to coordinate and collaborate closely to achieve energy security and sustainable renewable energy. The review suggests that Indigenous engagement in energy partnerships supports positive outcomes for social development and environmental protection among Indigenous communities. The literature suggests that when government and industry mentor in the project implementation process, important positive impacts on energy transitions, and self-sufficiency can be realized.

Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on China's overseas renewable energy development finance: Effects and features

This study investigates the features and effects of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on China's policy banks' overseas renewable energy development finance in BRI countries. To this end, this study uses the financing for energy projects' data in China's Global Energy Finance database and performs regression analysis using Differences-in-differences (DID) and Difference-in-differences-in-differences (DDD) methods. The main findings are as follows. First, compared with non-renewable energy finance, the BRI can increase the number of renewable energy projects financing by China's policy banks in BRI countries; however, this positive effect is mainly reflected in hydropower projects and Southeast Asia. Second, from the perspective of the providers' features, the BRI has a more significant role in promoting the financing of renewable energy by China Export and Import Bank. In terms of recipients' features, China's development finance is mainly directed to high credit risk, low-income countries and regions that traditional donors have disregarded; thus, the policy banks tend to cooperate with government recipients. Third, the BRI has facilitated China's policy banks' renewable energy finance in high carbon intensity countries, breaking the carbon lock-in effect and strengthening renewable energy financing through the establishment of energy partnerships, reflecting the features of joint contribution and cooperation. Our findings alleviate some scholars' concerns about the environmental effects of the BRI to a certain degree and show that proactive policies of investing countries can guide development finance to contribute to the global energy transition and climate goals.