Energy Security in a Digitalised World and its Geostrategic Implications

Study by Frank Umbach, EUCERS/RSIS

Global energy systems are currently undergoing tremendous and multifold challenges. This ‘energy transition’ towards a non-fossil fuel energy system can be best described along three, mutually reinforcing strategic trends: decarbonization, digitalisation and decentralisation. Digitalisation has manifold impacts on energy suppliers, distributors and consumers as it provides opportunites for efficiency and sustainability, but also bears security threats. This study by Dr. Frank Umbach provides a comprehensive view on the impacts of digitalisation on the global energy system.

WWF Hong Kong Report 2018

Climate change and financial risk

Climate change can only be mitigated by immediate and comprehensive global action. This requires a large amount of financial resources which cannot be provided by governments alone. The financial sector and private investors need to contribute significantly to achieve the goals of climate politics. A study by WWF Hong Kong explains how banks, investors and other financial institutions can effectively support concrete climate action.

Network Governance of Emission Trading Scheme

A Case Study of Guangdong Province, China

China is the world's largest carbon trading market. Four years after implementing ETSs in eight provinces, a nationwide cap-and-trade system was launched last year. It was seen as one of the key market instruments to mitigate climate change. Dr Maria Francesch-Huidobro, Consultant of KAS RECAP, wrote an article on challenges of governing domestic carbon trade system in China and analyses a governance network supporting carbon market development by using Guangdong as a case-study.

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

Online Documentation of the KAS India office about the founding of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)

The ISA was initiated following the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris (COP 21) on the 30th November 2015 and was introduced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the then French President Francois Hollande. The idea was to create a coalition of sun-rich countries to fill identified gaps in energy supply through a common approach focused on solar power. The founding conference of the intergovernmental organization took place on the 11th of March 2018 in New Delhi.

ADDRESSING CAMBODIA’S REGULATORY GAPS FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TRANSITION

Cambodia, likewise to other developing countries, is facing a twofold problem which can only solved by a compromise: On the one hand, energy demand is rising sharply and increasing electricity production is essential for further economic and social development. On the other hand, impacts by climate change are already visible and the local use of fossil fuels must be reduced in order to avoid graver impacts. An energy transition however is hampered by insufficient regulations. This study, conducted by Enrich Institute for KAS RECAP, assesses the current situation and future implications.

Assessing the Energiewende

An International Expert Review

In view of the enormous challenges of the “Energiewende”, every new German government must ask itself the following question: How can we reconcile our long-term goal with the need to ensure a reliable, cost-effective and resource-saving energy supply also in the short to medium term? What’s more, with its “Energiewende”, Germany aspires to play an international leading role – from political, economic, ecological, social, technological, geo-strategic and security policy points of view. Against this backdrop, four international experts analyze the progress made so far and make recommendations.

Asia's climate change and energy security in figures

Diagrams and analysis about current facts and trends

Being intertwined with all issues of public life, social developments, environmental concerns and diplomacy, the dynamics of energy and climate politics are very complex and hard to understand as a whole. This is especially true for Asia, the naturally and socially most diverse continent on our planet. KAS RECAP has compiled a selection of its previously published graphics, diagrams and maps along with short texts analysing and explaining the respective data. This book supports our general understanding of the nexus of energy and climate politics in Asia by providing clearly arranged insights.

South Korea's Energy Transition and Its Implications for Energy Security

Lessons from the German Energy Transition

South Korea imports roughly 97 percent of its primary energy from abroad. This comes along with one of the highest per capita greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the world. Right after the presidential election in spring 2017, President Moon Jae-in announced a dramatic shift in national energy politics. In this respect, the German “Energiewende” (energy transition) might provide some important lessons to be learnt both in conceptualisation as well as in implementation. This study assesses the current situation and draws political implications and recommendations.

Hong Kong’s Green Innovations Impact its Energy Market

1st quarter 2018 issue of IAEE Energy Forum

The International Association for Energy Economics quarterly publishes selected essays about recent dynamics and developments in energy politics and economics worldwide. The recent issue features an article by Julie Metta and Jan Deller (City University of Hong Kong) about the challenges for Hong Kong's electricity sector.

Legacies of Geopolitical Insularity for Urban Energy Transitions Today

Electricity Generation and Use in Singapore and Kota Kinabalu

Low carbon urban transitions are pursued as means to tackle the challenges posed by climate change to urban energy resource flows and services. Research has, so far, been concerned with accounts as to the what, how and why of these low carbon urban transitions, largely omitting how historical legacies in cities’ energy policies and practices affect today’s transitions. The research project by Dr. Maria Francesch, KAS RECAP's Consultant offers insights into the role of path dependency in the energy development in Singapore and Malaysia.