In Short : Geopolitical upheavals, like the Ukraine conflict, have accelerated the shift to renewables, says IRENA. Renewables enhance energy security, reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, and foster global cooperation. A decentralized energy system lowers geopolitical tensions and the risk of conflict. IRENA highlights clean energy as a strategic tool for both stability and sustainability worldwide.
In Detail : Geopolitical events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have significantly accelerated the global push toward renewable energy, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The shift is being driven by a need for greater energy security and independence from fossil fuel-dominant regions.
Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA, noted that renewable energy development not only addresses environmental and economic goals but also contributes to geopolitical stability. He emphasized that countries are now more focused on energy systems that are decentralized and less vulnerable to external shocks.
This decentralization, according to IRENA, reduces the dominance of a few resource-rich nations. Instead, it fosters mutual cooperation, as more countries become both producers and consumers of renewable technologies and infrastructure, creating a more balanced global energy dynamic.
IRENA’s report, *Geopolitics of the Energy Transition: Energy Security*, underscores that renewables play a key role in enhancing national energy security. By reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, nations can build more resilient and self-sufficient energy systems.
The report also highlights how renewables can reduce competition for finite resources and limit potential conflicts over energy. By investing in clean energy and diversifying supply chains, countries reduce the risk of energy-related disputes and instability.
IRENA concludes that speeding up the transition to renewables is not only crucial for meeting climate targets but also for promoting peace and global security. The organization views clean energy as a strategic asset for a more stable and cooperative international landscape.
