The Routledge Handbook of Energy Security

Synopsis

This Handbook examines the subject of energy security: its definition, dimensions, ways to measure and index it, and the complicating factors that are often overlooked.

The volume identifies varying definitions and dimensions of energy security, including those that prioritize security of supply and affordability alongside those that emphasize availability, energy efficiency, trade, environmental quality, and social and political stewardship. It also explores the various metrics that can be used to give energy security more coherence, and also to enable it to be measured, including recent attempts to measure energy security progress at the national level, with a special emphasis placed on countries within the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), countries within Asia, and industrialized countries worldwide.

This Handbook:

 Broadens existing discussions of energy security that center on access to fuels, including "oil security" and "coal security."

 Focuses not only on the supply side of energy but also the demand, taking a hard look at energy services and politics along with technologies and infrastructure;

 Investigates energy security issues such as energy poverty, equity and access, and development;

 Analyzes ways to index and measure energy security progress at the national and international level.

This book will be of much interest to students of energy security, energy policy, economics, environmental studies, and IR/Security Studies in general.

Summary

Chapter 1: Energy Security and Sustainability

* Defines energy security and examines its relationship with sustainability.
* Discusses the challenges of balancing energy availability, affordability, and environmental concerns.
* Example: The EU's goal of transitioning to renewable energy while ensuring secure and affordable energy supplies.

Chapter 2: Energy Resources and Technologies

* Reviews various energy sources, including fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewable energy.
* Analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, and environmental impacts of different energy technologies.
* Example: The debate over the use of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas production, which has both economic and environmental implications.

Chapter 3: Energy Geopolitics and National Security

* Explores the geopolitical aspects of energy resources and their impact on national security.
* Discusses the role of energy diplomacy, energy wars, and the protection of energy infrastructure.
* Example: The conflict between Russia and Ukraine over gas supplies, demonstrating the link between energy security and national security.

Chapter 4: Energy Access and Equity

* Examines the challenges of ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy for all.
* Discusses the role of energy poverty, energy justice, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
* Example: Efforts by governments and international organizations to provide electricity to rural communities in developing countries.

Chapter 5: Energy Regulation and Governance

* Reviews the regulatory frameworks governing energy production, distribution, and consumption.
* Discusses the role of market competition, government intervention, and international cooperation.
* Example: The EU's Emissions Trading Scheme, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by setting limits on carbon dioxide emissions.

Chapter 6: Energy Finance and Investment

* Analyzes the financial aspects of energy infrastructure and projects.
* Discusses the role of investors, lending institutions, and government incentives in promoting energy security.
* Example: The financing of solar and wind farms, which require significant upfront investment but have lower operating costs than fossil fuels.

Chapter 7: Energy Storage and Flexibility

* Examines the technologies and challenges associated with energy storage.
* Discusses the role of batteries, pumped storage, and demand response in addressing the intermittency of renewable energy.
* Example: The development of lithium-ion batteries, which have enabled the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Chapter 8: Energy Preparedness and Resilience

* Reviews the measures taken to prepare for and respond to energy emergencies.
* Discusses the role of contingency plans, infrastructure resilience, and public awareness.
* Example: The establishment of national emergency fuel reserves to mitigate the impact of disruptions in energy supplies.

Chapter 9: Energy Transitions and the Future

* Analyzes the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning to a low-carbon and sustainable energy system.
* Discusses the role of technological innovation, policy frameworks, and consumer behavior change.
* Example: The global shift towards electric vehicles, which requires the development of charging infrastructure and changes in consumer preferences.