Energy Security in a Decarbonized World: EU-Africa Cooperation for a Clean Resilient Future

Abstract

In a context where energy security is at risk and energy demand is surging, it is worthy asking what energy model needs to be followed to build a clean and resilient future, to ensure energy security without jeopardizing the commitments made under the Paris Agreement. In fact, oil, coal and natural gas still meet most global energy needs, creating serious implications for the environment, while increasing vulnerability to geopolitical shocks and disruptions in fossil fuel markets. Framing energy and climate policies into this complementary paradigm requires a forward-looking and strategic approach, capable of anticipating future developments, especially when it comes to the geopolitical consequences of energy transition. Against this backdrop, this Chapter explores the interlink between energy and climate security, with a special focus on the European Union and African countries. It seeks to answer the following questions: (i) How can the EU ensure energy security by capitalising on its green agenda? (ii) What are the implications of global decarbonization for African countries? (iii) What does the clean energy mean for mineral production in Africa? (iv) What are the opportunities raising from energy transition for the EU-African cooperation?