Geopolitics of the Energy Transition (MEE200)

This course covers the international dynamics of the energy transition. It addresses the role of renewable energy in geopolitics, security, and diplomacy. Teaching includes the interplay between international politics, national economics, technological change, and history.

The use of the ‘Geovania simulation’ (https://geovania.nettopuis.live/) makes it possible to experience the national and international dynamics, realities and trade-offs associated with the transition to renewable forms of energy.

The course imparts knowledge and skills relevant to achieving SDG1 (No Poverty), SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG13 (Climate Action), and SDG17 (Partnership for the Goals).

This course focuses on the international implications of the energy transition. It examines the significance of international politics for the energy transition and vice versa. To develop an understanding of these topics, the course draws on international relations theory. These theoretical concepts provide an understanding of the motives behind government policy, highlighting the geopolitical significance of the energy transition.

The geopolitics of the energy transition is, however, a diverse field of study. Technological, economic, political, geographical, and social issues all play into the relations between states. To cover this broad spectrum, the course content includes knowledge from various disciplines such as political science, international relations, history, and economics. The international implications of industrial policy are one of the most important focal points in this regard.

In view of the global nature of the energy transition, the course also covers a wide geography of countries and actors, including information on the energy transition in and across a variety of areas and countries. The activities of international organizations such as the United Nations, the EU, and the World Bank are also covered. By employing the Geovania simulation, students are provided with first-hand experience with the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition to renewable energy. The main feature of this hybrid, turn-based learning tool is a hypothetical continent consisting of four countries. Finding a common strategy climate strategy is necessary, but difficult due to the diverse nature of the four countries. However, with each turn the pressure to find a way towards a carbon-neutral economy increases.

With its content, the course aims at providing knowledge and skills relevant for working in environments such as diplomacy, business relations, network-building, journalism, academia, and education.

Upon completing the course, the students will have the following knowledge, skills and competencies:

In terms of knowledge, students will have thorough knowledge into the following areas:

• International politics and motives of states
• International relations theory and geopolitics
• Renewable energy in international politics
• Energy and industrial policy in different geographical areas
• Energy security and economic relations between states
• Global governance and the energy transition

In terms of skills, students should be able to achieve the following:

• Identify and describe geopolitically relevant issues
• Explain theoretical concepts related to the geopolitics of energy
• Collect relevant information for studying cases
• Apply geopolitical perspectives to critically analyse cases
• Address challenges of global energy governance
• Evaluate the prospects of the energy transition
• Discuss complex information and trajectories

In terms of general competencies, students should be able to:

• Actively take part in discussions about international energy politics
• Communicate international challenges associated with the energy transition
• Work with others to identify and solve problems related to international politics
• Write statements about international energy politics
• Collaborate with others through effective written and oral presentations
• Negotiate, take decisions and implement actions

The course is open to students, ordinary and exchange, enrolled in following faculties at UiS: Faculty of Social ScienceFaculty of Science and TechnologyFaculty of Arts and Education

To be eligable for the course, the student must have completed a BA degree with a specialization of at least 80 ECTS in one or more of the following subjetct areas (or equivalent):Social sciencesHistorySociologyLawSocial anthropologyPolitical scienceManagementGeographyHotel managementTourism managementEconomicsPedagogyPsychology