The Geopolitics of Energy

The world’s energy sector knows a complicated and fragile environment. Energy demand is increasing rapidly because of growth in the developing countries. It is largely met by fossil fuels: oil, natural gas and coal, but also by hydraulic and nuclear power and more and more by solar and wind.

The use of all these forms of energy now gives rise to controversy. Fossil fuels of course contribute to CO2 emissions and climate change. The development of shale gas, currently the source of half natural gas production in the United States, meets strong opposition in a number of European countries. The accident at Fukushima has put into question the future development of nuclear power, in Japan, in Europe but also in the USA. There is considerable criticism of the use of coal, which is the source for most of the energy needs in China and a number of developing countries, because of its emissions of CO2 and other pollutants. Even traditional biomass, whose use leads to deforestation and to respiratory diseases and the development of hydraulic power, are the subject of debate. Is solar and wind the solution?

How should one judge between the different energies? How can decisions be taken between reducing consumption and increasing production? What is the future for new renewable energies?

These are the issues at stake on the energy sector.

This book appears just at the right time to provide clear and well documented replies to the questions that all of us, as energy users, are posing. How are the different forms of energy produced? What does the future hold for them? Who are the players active in the energy scene? What are the supply constraints? What is the impact of the strong growth in India and China on energy resources? The book is in two parts. The first sets out the major characteristics of the energy sector. The second provides an analysis of the global energy issues region by region and details the geopolitical aspects.

This work is well illustrated and accessible to all, as it does not require any specific prior knowledge. It will particularly interest readers seeking a global perspective of a sector that is fundamental both to our economy and also for our international policies.