Local Chain Research Articles

Progesterone supplemented uterine epithelial cell co-culture improves in vitro quality embryo production in buffalo

Objectives: The present study was conducted to study the effect of progesterone and uterine luminal epithelial cells monolayer on blastocyst development and hatching rate. Material and Methods: The isolation, culture, and characterization of slaughterhouse-derived uterine epithelial cells were done using standard protocol. The steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone were supplemented in embryo developmental media (EDM), and day 04 embryos were cultured in different groups as progesterone supplementation (T1), co-cultured with epithelial cell monolayer (T2), co-cultured with progesterone supplemented epithelial cell monolayer (T3), or without any treatment (control). Finally, the effect of different treatments was analyzed in terms of blastocyst and hatching rate. Results: The isolated epithelial cells depicted compact cuboidal or columnar morphology at the confluence. Immunocytochemical localization and polymerase chain reaction study revealed positive expression of cytokeratin and absence of vimentin. Significantly higher blastocyst and hatching rates were noted in the T3 group, followed by T2, T1, and control groups. Conclusion: The present study revealed improved in vitro embryo production after co-culturing embryos with progesterone-supplemented uterine epithelial cells in buffalo.

Lifted TASEP: A Solvable Paradigm for Speeding up Many-Particle Markov Chains

Virtually all Markov-chain Monte Carlo algorithms used for sampling a given distribution are reversible, and they satisfy the detailed-balance condition. For local chains, this leads to a slow, diffusive exploration of sample space. Significant speedups can be achieved through nonreversible algorithms with the given distribution as a targeted steady state. However, nonreversible algorithms for sampling are difficult to set up and to analyze, and exact speedup results for interacting many-particle systems are very rare. Here, we introduce the “lifted” totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (TASEP) as an exactly solvable paradigm for nonreversible many-particle Markov chains. It samples the same hard-sphere distribution as the Metropolis algorithm for symmetrically diffusing hard-core particles on a one-dimensional lattice. We solve the lifted TASEP by an unusual kind of coordinate Bethe ansatz and show that it exhibits polynomial (in particle number) speedups in the relaxation time for the asymptotic approach of the steady state, as well as the nonasymptotic mixing time, compared to both Metropolis and Kardar-Parisi-Zhang-based dynamics. The lifted TASEP is the reduction onto the one-dimensional lattice of the successful hard-sphere event-chain Monte Carlo algorithm, and we discuss that it can likewise be generalized to soft interaction potentials. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

RECYCLING OF LITHIUM ION BATTERIES: THE BLACK SPOT OF THE GREEN DEAL

Progress towards a decarbonized economy is dependent on the development of energy storage devices enabling the deployment of new strategies in the transport and energy sectors. Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) play a key role in facilitating the shift from fossil fuels to renewables based on ubiquitous sources of decentralized energy. However, the rapidly increasing demand for batteries has generated environmental concerns regarding recycling, and raw materials depletion and exhaustion. Moreover, the level of extraction and processing of battery raw materials from local resources is almost negligible, inducing geopolitical concerns regarding potential threats to production and the stability of local manufactures. Finally, the storage and processing of hazardous wastes remains a difficult challenge in the circular economy concept. Recycling, therefore, is beneficial to the environment and has a high economic value via strengthening local supply chains. This work presents an alternative, comprehensive, and holistic review of LIB recycling technologies; from traditional metallurgy strategies to innovative, direct recycling methods and pioneering in-production and design-for-recycling approaches. It identifies new directions for making recycling efficient and techno-economically profitable and sustainable - including the vital role of robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Keywords: Lithium Ion Batteries, Recycling, Design for Recycling, In-production Recycling, Artificial Intelligence

Interindividual Similarity of the Spatial Organization of the EEG: an Ontogenetic Study

In this study took part 39 adult subjects, 28 children 12 years old, 21 children 8–9 years old, 26 children 5–6 years old and 19 newborns. In each age group, the coefficient of interindividual similarity (CIS) of the spatial organisation of the electroencephalogram (EEG) was calculated using Pearson's crosscorrelation algorithm. Results reveal high level of interindividual similarity of spatial structure of EEG distant connections. Both in adults and children CIS exceeded 0.80. In women, compared with men, a significantly higher level of interindividual similarity of the spatial organization of the EEG was revealed for all studied combinations of EEG connections. The obtained data shows that relative stability in ontogenesis of the spatial structure of dynamic activity of the cortex is apparently provided mainly through determined by a genotype distant intra- and interhemispheric interconnections that forming certain morfofunctional “skeleton” of neocortex. The functionally specific interactions realizable across more plastic “local chains” of near intercortical interrelations are carried out on basis of the dynamic activity of the brain hemispheres that ordered by means of such “global” interactions. Such system organization of intercortical interactions can provide both safety of individual properties of personality and the ability of the brain to effectively adapt to various influences of environment at phenotype formation in ontogenesis.

What do urban consumers want? Findings from a discrete choice experiment on the preference for locally produced staple food in Central Africa: Evidence from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

ABSTRACT A discrete choice experiment in Kinshasa (DRC) investigated urban consumers' preferences between imports and local options for five staple foods – cassava, rice, maize, sugar and cooking oil – under a random utility model. We also examined how distance, packaging and price influenced consumer choice. To assess whether preferences could be manipulated, we introduced two treatment groups – local, import – and a control group. We did not find support for a preference for imports. Instead, there is a statistically significant preference for local products, with the exception of sugar. Respondents are willing to pay 28% more for local food, a premium quantified at 1540 CF (.93 USD) per kg for maize and 1091CF (.66 USD) per litre for oil. Packaging is an attribute of influence as the willingness to pay (WTP) in full remains positive when products interact with packaging and with price. There is demand for local products for which consumers are willing to pay a premium. Yet, DRC imports 1.5 billion dollars of food yearly with only 10% of its arable land exploited. The increased urban consumption of imports does not signify a bias against local products, but rather points to structural issues undermining local supply. DRC needs to develop local value chains linking rural farmers to urban markets through the transformation of local foods to meet urban needs and to convert the WTP into a producer surplus benefiting rural livelihoods.

A comprehensive analysis of India’s electric vehicle battery supply chain: barriers and solutions

This study investigates challenges and solutions for India’s battery supply chain in the growing electric vehicle (EV) market. Key obstacles include raw material dependency, supply chain complexity, production costs, environmental impacts, rapid technological changes, and skilled workforce shortages. Methods involve reviewing current supply chains, evaluating government policies like the FAME and PLI schemes, and analyzing strategic partnerships with countries rich in lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Results show heavy reliance on imports exposes India to geopolitical risks and price volatility, while a fragmented supply chain hinders coordination and quality control. Establishing gigafactories is crucial but requires substantial investment. The study recommends enhancing domestic production, securing raw materials through exploration and international partnerships, investing in R&D for advanced technologies and alternative chemistries, and developing a skilled workforce through specialized training. Implementing these strategies will ensure a robust and sustainable battery supply chain, supporting EV market growth and positioning India as a leader in electric mobility. Further research should focus on long-term environmental impacts and the economic implications of a localized supply chain.

Navigating Complexity: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Sustainable Supply Chain Management

This editorial introduces a special issue dedicated to exploring sustainable supply chains through an interdisciplinary lens, incorporating theories from International Relations (IR) to better understand the complexities of global logistics in an era marked by significant geopolitical shifts. As the demand for sustainable business practices grows, this issue highlights innovative research that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations into supply chain management. The contributions within this issue apply a mix of realist and liberalist IR perspectives to dissect the dynamics of global and local supply chain strategies, focusing on industries such as shipping and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in supply chain practices.

The benefits of the dairy value chain to inclusive sustainable development in European highlands: a systems thinking approach

This research investigates the benefits of the dairy value chain beyond food provision, and its contribution to inclusive sustainable development (ISDH) in European highlands. Transdisciplinary teams interviewed and analysed 11 cases related to the dairy value chain sourced from three highland regions in Europe: Alps (Austria, France, Italy), Massif Central (France), Pyrenees (Spain). Actors interviewed were farmers, cooperatives, retailers and associations. A systems thinking approach was applied to develop a conceptual map (Causal Loop Diagram, CLD) describing the contribution of the dairy value chain to ISDH, through the interpretation of the viewpoints of interviewed actors. For each case, the factors contributing to ISDH were identified, then clustered within related topics. Topics from all the cases were used to develop a CLD, and subsystems and leverage points identified. Six interconnected subsystems were identified: local resources, environment, dairy production, collaboration, supply chain and socio-economic. Four leverage points were also identified: public subsidies, feed autonomy, certification of product, and added value. In conclusion, the dairy value chain provides the following benefits aligned with the dimensions of ISDH: landscape maintenance and ecosystem services, quality of dairy products and added value, inclusive governance for actors, reduction of environmental impact, and local development. This model delivers a decision-making tool for the actors involved in the dairy value chain, to prioritise strategic interventions.

Interfacial Conductor-Modulated Low-Triggered Potential Electrochemiluminescence from Conjugated Polymers for Bioanalysis.

Polyfluorene and its derivatives (PFs) are extremely appealing electrochemiluminescence (ECL) illuminants thanks to their easy modification, high quantum yield, excellent photostability, and nontoxicity, exhibiting great application potential in ECL sensing and imaging. Unfortunately, most reported PFs-based ECL bioanalysis generally exhibited high triggering potential (>1.0 V vs Ag/AgCl), which introduced undesirable electrochemical interference to adversely affect the sensitivity and accuracy of biological analysis. This work innovatively exploited poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as an interfacial conductor to modulate the low ECL triggering potential of poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-(1,4-benzo-{2,1',3}-thiadazole)] (PFBT) nanoparticles (NPs). The unique conductivity of in situ electrodeposited PEDOT promoted electron transfer between PFBT NPs and coreactant tripropylamine (TPrA), negatively shifting the ECL triggering potential of PFBT NPs from +1.22 to +0.78 V. The PFBT NPs/PEDOT coupled the localized hybridization chain reaction (LHCR) circuits to achieve a specific and sensitive ECL detection of malathion (MAL), and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 22 fg/mL was obtained. The interfacial conductor provides inspiration for creating the low ECL triggering potential. PFBT NPs-coupled PEDOT builds a low ECL triggering potential of the PFs-based platform for pesticide residue analysis with low interference and high sensitivity.

Potent and Protease Resistant Azapeptide Agonists of the GLP‐1 and GIP Receptors

AbstractThe gut‐derived peptide hormones glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) play important physiological roles including glucose homeostasis and appetite suppression. Stabilized agonists of the GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) and dual agonists of GLP‐1R and GIP receptor (GIPR) for the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity have generated widespread enthusiasm and have become blockbuster drugs. These therapeutics are refractory to the action of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4), that catalyzes rapid removal of the two N‐terminal residues of the native peptides, in turn severely diminishing their activity profiles. Here we report that a single atom change from carbon to nitrogen in the backbone of the entire peptide makes them refractory to DPP4 action while still retaining full potency and efficacy at their respective receptors. This was accomplished by use of aza‐amino acids, that are bioisosteric replacements for α‐amino acids that perturb the structural backbone and local side chain conformations. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that aza‐amino acid can populate the same conformational space that GLP‐1 adopts when bound to the GLP‐1R. The insertion of an aza‐amino acid at the second position from the N‐terminus in semaglutide and in a dual agonist of GLP‐1R and GIPR further demonstrates its capability as a viable alternative to current DPP4 resistance strategies while offering additional structural variation that may influence downstream signaling.

Digital sustainability tracing in smallholder context: Ex-ante insights from the Peruvian cocoa supply chain

Global demand for sustainable agri-food products creates opportunities for smallholder farmers. But on-farm verification of sustainable practices is costly, making third-party certification inaccessible to many poor farmers. Digital technologies for tracing agri-food products from farm to fork could help: novel traceability systems, based on blockchain technology, can make data about on-farm practices transparently available to downstream stakeholders, enabling them to verify sustainability claims without external audits. There is limited understanding, however, of how such digital tracing systems fit local needs and capacities in smallholder contexts. Through a grounded theory approach, we explore the potential of digital traceability for sustainability monitoring in a case study in the Ucayali region of Peru. Based on interviews with local cocoa sector stakeholders, we identify two major challenges: first, setting up digital traceability systems requires investments that do not seem justified by corresponding increases in income. And second, relying on farmer-supplied data creates the risk of inaccurate information due to insufficient capacity as well as incentives for providing distorted data. Our findings suggest that strong cooperation along the supply chain is needed to ensure adequate return on farmer-side costs and investments. Focusing on sustainability metrics at the community level, in addition to the farm level, may be promising, as these metrics can be reliably collected by external stakeholders and add value beyond existing third-party certification standards. Our case study provides recommendations for local policy makers and supply chain stakeholders to develop inclusive digital sustainability tracing systems with smallholder farmers.

A mixed methods qualitative approach outlining a strategic and operational agenda for the pawpaw value chain in the eastern US

Abstract The latest global scale occurrences — COVID-19 pandemic and bellicose conflicts — have weakened stable value chain relationships and forced international leaders to reassess commitments to sustainability. From these experiences, it became evident that the success of sustainability initiatives encompasses strengthening local and short value chains while creating means for engaging smallholders in formal food channels. Taking international and national policies as motivations, this article examines the emerging pawpaw value chain in the Eastern United States. We employ a mixed-mode approach with two aims. First, we demonstrate how complementing qualitative methods can be articulated to prepare a strategic agenda to foster the development and resilience of local ag-food chains. Second, through the application of the devised methodology, interview records and survey answers are evaluated to map value chain relationships and describe stakeholders’ perceived challenges and opportunities. On the empirical front, this article proposes four macro strategies and 22 actionable projects. We argue that the representative association of pawpaw growers may adopt a broader leadership role to coordinate the necessary changes for sustaining long-term growth and promoting economic gains in rural communities dedicated to pawpaw production. The mixed-mode approach presented in this study can be replicated to analyze local and short chains elsewhere.

Pengaruh Country Of Origin Terhadap Purchase Intention Dimediasi oleh Customer Trust: Studi pada Kopi Janji Jiwa di Kota Bandung

Due to an increase in people's purchasing power, competition between local and international coffee chain businesses is getting tougher. The number of stores and the value of sales indicate that there is competition. Kopi Janji Jiwa has the most shops in Indonesia, but its sales value is lower than that of its rivals. This demonstrates that factors like origin country have an impact on sales value. However, customer trust is required because it is insufficient to be considered. Companies that have a good country of origin and customers who trust them can make more people want. The purpose of this study is to ascertain how customer trust in Janji Jiwa Coffee influences purchase intention in relation to country of origin. With a descriptive approach, the quantitative research method was used, using nonprobability sampling technique with purposive sampling type where the number of respondents is 150 respondents. Through the distribution of questionnaires to Bandung residents who knew about, had not purchased, or had ever purchased Kopi Janji Jiwa, data were gathered. Information examination was done utilizing SmartPLS 3.2.9 programming. The findings demonstrated that customer trust has a positive impact on purchase intention, that customer trust has a positive impact on purchase intention, and that country of origin has a positive impact on purchase intention. The discoveries likewise show that nation of beginning emphatically affects purchase intention interceded by client trust in Janji Jiwa Coffee.

Fuel for collective action: A SWOT analysis to identify social barriers and drivers for a local woody biomass supply chain in an Italian alpine valley

The role of woody biomass in the clean energy transition is substantial in the EU. Forest residues are one of the main biomass sources that can be used for energy production, but their use to support the energy transition is still limited for several reasons. Research has shown that the use of forest residues in energy production can be effectively stimulated through collective actions that aim to develop short and local supply chains. This study aims to identify the barriers and drivers for the development of a local supply chain for forest residues in an Italian alpine valley, gathering and analysing the perspectives of all involved local actors, that is, (i) suppliers - the communities that own the forest resources, (ii) intermediaries - the forest professionals providing extension and advice services to owners and the harvesting companies; and (iii) the final consumers, in this case the local municipalities and hospitality enterprises. Data are analysed using a SWOT analysis. The results show that the suppliers identified opportunities especially, while the final consumers focused more on strengths, weaknesses, and threats. The SWOT categories in terms of the number of different factors were weaknesses (37 %), strengths (27 %), threats (18 %), and opportunities (17 %). Opportunities and strengths were considered as drivers, while threats and weaknesses were barriers. Several drivers emerged, such as a general predisposition toward the development of a local supply chain for forest residues, social homogeneity in terms of knowledge and management of the land, and common challenges. Barriers also emerged in the form of limited know-how on the supply chain potential, but also in limited availability to concede control between different forest owners over their property. The SWOT results are useful to design strategies to support the development of the supply chain: four possible strategies, amongst which flexible cooperation processes between different categories of stakeholders, and the organisation of a buying group of the hospitality enterprises, were suggested.

‘Road runners’ and Fanta: Intersectional cultural food in/security among Zimbabwean migrants living in UK cities

The incidence of food insecurity among migrant and diasporic communities living in rich global North cities is growing. A key dimension of this is the absence of culturally appropriate food which is integral to both feeding and nourishing mobile bodies. In this paper, we deploy an intersectional approach to cultural food in/security to explore the foodscapes of Zimbabwean communities living in British cities. We unpack how and why food cultures are critical in shaping migrant experiences of food in/security and the diversification of food cultures over time and place and mediated by intersectional subjectivities. We map local, regional and transnational food supply chains as migrants seek to redress issues of access and availability to source foods familiar to them to maintain the cultural significance of food and food practices within families and diaspora communities.

Local Energy Community as a Small Hydrogen Valley – H2LEC

A Local energy community (LEC) is a vertically nested system in energy supply and an ecosystem with joint values and objectives. On-site integrated hydrogen-based systems connected to the grid, and consisting of electrolyser, hydrogen storage and fuel cell system - hydrogen prosumers - provide efficient balancing of local energy consumption and local production of renewable energy that can be extended over annual cycles. There is no transport of hydrogen needed. Thus, the H2LEC – Local energy community with integrated hydrogen systems - represents the carrier of dispersed energy and hydrogen production as a complement of concentrated energy and hydrogen production: on average, H2LEC will predictably achieve at least 75% self-supply. Additionally, with Combined Heat-and-Power systems, coupling to the thermal system adds to energy efficiency. H2LEC represents a virtual socio-economic system based on community values and thus engages initiative, innovation and capital of local actors, new technology start-ups and local industry; and represents opportunities for new disruptive business models. It brings into the energy supply system new players – prosumer who actively trade their flexibilities among themselves and on the external markets, and stimulates new enabling technologies - notably automated close-to-real time trading - thereby boosting end-to-end automated solutions. The H2LEC create the need and the market for smaller integrated hydrogen-based systems ranging from a few kWe for residential homes to a few MWe units for larger industrial companies or local districts with a complete range of capacities in between, for public or tertiary buildings and smaller enterprises. Thus, they provide an opening for participation of SMEs in local and international value chains and will create a strong complementary energy bottom-up pillar and hydrogen supply system locally and in Europe.

Seeking a multi‐dimensional approach to understand agricultural commodity expansion in Asian tropics

AbstractAgricultural commodity expansion into natural and semi‐natural ecosystems in Asia is a multi‐dimensional sustainability challenge posing a threat to natural and human capital. At the symposium pertaining to agricultural commodity landscapes organized at the 59th meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation, we aimed to identify key aspects that require further attention to address the negative impacts of commodity‐driven agricultural expansion in the Asian tropics. Using a combination of insights obtained both from participants' research and those that developed organically in the symposium, we identified five key themes: (1) Robust land use suitability assessments to determine the viability of agricultural expansion or other competing demands on productive land in given landscapes; (2) the need for plot‐level studies of soil biodiversity and ecological functions for commodity crops; (3) Irrigation for commodity crops with blue and green water and evaluating co‐dependent drivers and outcomes; (4) an improved understanding of local producer motivations and supply chains and (5) the analysis of co‐benefits, trade‐offs and synergies in agro‐commodity systems. These themes include the various steps involved in agricultural commodity expansion, right from land selection and crop patterns to aspects pertaining to the post‐harvest value chain. These themes are inter‐connected and span across multiple local and regional spatial scales in tropical Asia but hold relevance to agricultural landscapes elsewhere too. Immediate and sustained attention on these themes would secure multiple goals of sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and human well‐being.

Enhancing Capacity to Comply with Sustainability Standards in the Milk Value Chain in East Africa: Challenges, Prospects, and Policy Implications

This paper addresses the need to contextualize sustainability standards and supply chain management in dairy value chains in East Africa, where milk perishability and limited cold storage significantly impact the industry. The study highlights the importance of localizing these standards, given the greater dependence on local supply chains following the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on milk standards literature and various interventions aimed at promoting systemic change, this review analyses the capacity of marginalized stakeholders in East Africa’s dairy value chains to meet sustainability standards, focusing particularly on the social dimensions of these standards. The findings indicate that compliance with sustainability and safety standards is predominantly restricted to formal dairy networks, which process less than 20 percent of milk produced in the region. Most milk sales occur through informal or unorganized markets, which face significant barriers to meeting international sustainability benchmarks. The review advocates for the alignment of international sustainability standards with the unique conditions of the informal markets dominating East Africa’s dairy sector. It suggests enhancing stakeholder capabilities and addressing regulatory barriers as necessary steps for improving compliance with these standards. The co-operative model is highlighted as a promising approach to integrating farmers and marginalized value chain actors into the formal sector, thereby facilitating incremental adoption of sustainability standards. The paper identifies strategic entry points for organizing and upgrading the supply chain, including capacity building, certification, and catalyzing farmer groups to compliance and productivity.

Трансформация пространственной организации розничной торговли в Архангельске

The article compares the spatial organization of retail food trade in Arkhangelsk in 1988 and 2022 in order to identify the changes that have occurred in the post-Soviet period. Its transformation was facilitated by the closure of industrial enterprises, most of them were located in settlements in outskirts, a change in the solvency of residents, and a reduction in the number of potential buyers. The internal heterogenety of the conditions for the development of trade in different parts of the city, differences in the provision of retail outlets for residents, the prevailing trade formats that are typical for central and outlying areas are revealed. Compliance of the principle of equidistance of shops from residential buildings was checked. We also conducted a content analysis of customer reviews about various formats of retail outlets. We determined that in 2022 the number of stores in Arkhangelsk increased by 3 times compared to 1988. However, their distribution throughout the city is extremely heterogeneous. There is a clear competitive advantage of the central districts of the city (Oktyabrskiy, Lomonosovskiy), where the number of stores has increased by 4–5 times, over the outskirts, where the growth is less than 2 times (Maimaksanskiy, Isakogorskiy, Tsiglomenskiy districts). The most common form of trade organization in Arkhangelsk is a discount store, which is associated with the low solvency of the city population. Most of them belong to federal retailers. Their expansion in Arkhangelsk mainly affected the central districts and bedroom suburbs close to them. The least number of stores of federal and local retail chains has been opened in the outlying districts; there aren't any shops on the islands without bridges (Brevennik, Linskiy Priluk, Khabarka, Kegostrov). For outlying areas, the most common stores are those that do not belong to chain retailers, these are small pavilions and kiosks. Most customers’ reviews of such stores are negative and the overall rating of their work is lower than that of chain stores.

The EU De‐Risking of Energy Dependencies: Towards a New Clean Energy Geopolitical Order?

The mounting geopolitical tensions and rivalries between the world’s major economies transform the goals and instruments of domestic and external policies. Industrial strategies of leading global powers call for technological decoupling, strategic autonomy, and the de-risking of dependencies in critical value chains. Economic interdependencies become a liability and de-globalisation tendencies come to the fore. The energy sector is not exempted from these trends, leading even to the weaponisation of energy in some cases. In that vein, this article explores the character and directions of EU international energy engagement through the geoeconomic lens. Taking inspiration from literature on energy security and the geopolitics of energy transition, the article theorises the concept of de-risking in energy to investigate how the EU is positioning itself as a power while ensuring security and competitiveness. Looking at three illustrative examples of the energy transition—supply of natural gas, access to energy-critical minerals, and international hydrogen markets—the article shows that EU de-risking means not only diversifying suppliers but, most notably, constructing new economic, sustainable, and potentially long-lasting international relations. As a result, despite the deep geopoliticisation of energy and the new global “disorder,” the EU’s de-risking has the potential to reshape international relations by forging new partnerships or reconfiguring existing ones, thus establishing a new economic order driven by clean energy while offering new economic opportunities to create local value chains and decarbonise economies in third countries.