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Energy crisis: five questions that must be answered in 2023

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Energy crisis: five questions that must be answered in 2023

Market turmoil and geopolitical realignment after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine put livelihoods and the green-energy transition at risk. Here’s how researchers can help overcome the threats.

Nature,

15 min read
9 take-aways
Audio & text

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Researchers seek ways to stabilize the global transition to green energy, despite societal conflicts.

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9

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The global energy crisis threatens populations around the world. Russia’s Ukraine invasion prompted embargoes on Russian oil exports to European countries. Some cut energy usage and search for alternatives, while lower-income nations such as Bangladesh and Pakistan suffer blackouts and increased food prices. Energy prices remain high, while countries rich in fossil fuels call the shots. In this comprehensive overview, researchers discuss how to mitigate the crisis, and create a green energy future for everyone.

Summary

The global energy map is fundamentally changing.

Events in 2022 altered Russia’s place in the global energy market. By necessity, energy alliances have shifted – some were rebuilt, others consolidated. In the previous year, more than half of Russian oil exports and about three-quarters of its gas exports went to Europe. The European Union looks to the United States, Algeria, Norway, Africa and the Middle East for energy supplies. Economists monitor G7 partnerships intended to strengthen political solidarity and bargaining power.

Russia is increasing sales of gas and oil to Asian countries such as India and China, and may retain influence in the OPEC+ alliance, particularly if the United States and Saudi Arabia remain at political odds.

Energy efficiency is key to reducing dependency on liquefied natural gas.

Switching to greener energy sources and exporting fertilizer and steel industries to other countries will help Europe achieve durable natural-gas usage reductions. East Asian nations may turn from natural gas to cheaper but dirtier coal. The United States seeks to insulate itself from market volatility by supporting...

About the Authors

Andreas Goldthau is a professor at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy at the University of Erfurt, Germany. He is the research group lead at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies in Germany. Simone Tagliapietra is a senior fellow at the think tank Bruegel in Belgium. He is a professor of energy, climate and environmental policy at the Catholic University of Sacred Heart in Italy.

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