Parallel Sessions V

C) Fuelling Insecurity: Oil vs. Renewables

Organisers: Wuppertal Institute, Germany

Conveners:

Bernd Brouns, Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Energy, Environment, Germany
Wolfgang Sachs, Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Energy, Environment, Germany

Chair:

Bernd Brouns, Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Energy, Environment, Germany

Speakers:

Nogoye Thiam, Environnment et Développement du Tiers Monde (ENDA-TM), Senegal
Nikolaus Supersberger, Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy, Germany

Abstract:

The panel will address the international security implications of different energy systems. Firstly, it will focus on the geographically extended supply lines of oil-based economies. It will map the shifting geographies of supply, examine the constraints of oil-dependency, and explore possible conflicts between increased competition and finite availability. Secondly, the panel portray the different supply structures of renewable energy systems, identifying the security/insecurity profile of a low-energy solar economy and comparing it with the current fossil-based economy. Thirdly, we will have a closer look at the situation of developing countries with little fossil resources: Which implications does their dependency on fossil fuel imports have on the potential for (economic) development and on inter- and intranational security? Finally, the hypothesis will be discussed whether an energy system based on maximum energy efficiency and increased utilisation of renewable energies will be intrinsically less vulnerable to political crises and economic instabilities. Will a more secure world have to be a solar world?

Session Report

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Insecurity and Development
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10th General Conference