Energy security and renewable electricity trade-Will Desertec make Europe vulnerable to the "energy weapon"?

Lilliestam J, Ellenbeck S (2011)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2011

Journal

Energy Policy Elsevier

Book Volume: 39

Pages Range: 3380-3391

Journal Issue: 6

DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2011.03.035

Abstract

Solar power imports to Europe from the deserts of North Africa, as foreseen in the Desertec concept, is one possible way to help decarbonising the European power sector by 2050. However, this approach raises questions of threats to European energy security in such an import scenario, particularly in the light of increasing import dependency and Russia's use of the "energy weapon" in recent years. In this paper we investigate the threat of North African countries using the Desertec electricity exports as an "energy weapon". We develop and use a new model to assess the interdependence - the bargaining power symmetry, operationalised as costs - of a disruption in a future renewable electricity trade between North Africa and Europe. If Europe maintains current capacity buffers, some demand-response capability and does not import much more than what is described in the Desertec scenario, it is susceptible to extortion and political pressure only if all five exporter countries unite in using the energy weapon. Europe is not vulnerable to extortion by an export cut from only one country, as the European capacity buffers are sufficient to restore the power supply: no single exporter country would have sustained bargaining power over Europe. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Authors with CRIS profile

Johan Lilliestam

Additional Organisation(s)

Lehrstuhl für Sustainability Transition Policy

Involved external institutions

Potsdam-Institut für Klimafolgenforschung (PIK) / Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Lilliestam, J., & Ellenbeck, S. (2011). Energy security and renewable electricity trade-Will Desertec make Europe vulnerable to the "energy weapon"? Energy Policy, 39(6), 3380-3391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2011.03.035

MLA:

Lilliestam, Johan, and Saskia Ellenbeck. "Energy security and renewable electricity trade-Will Desertec make Europe vulnerable to the "energy weapon"?" Energy Policy 39.6 (2011): 3380-3391.

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