As the GCC states undergo economic diversification efforts, they have increasingly turned to China for help—and Beijing has happily reciprocated. The geopolitical environment surrounding renewable technology and essential minerals is changing dramatically as the globe speeds up its journey to sustainable energy. China, which has become the main actor in the …
Read More »Critical Minerals in Ukraine: Harnessing Potential in the Face of Conflict and Geopolitical Shifts
Due to geopolitical tensions and the growing need for minerals necessary for green technology, Ukraine’s vital mineral resources have drawn more attention from around the world. Ukraine, the second-largest nation in Europe, has abundant mineral resources, including sizable amounts of nickel, cobalt, graphite, rare earth elements, lithium, and titanium. Because …
Read More »COP29 and Iran: Overcoming Sanctions, Fossil Fuel Dependence, and Harnessing China’s Role in the Clean Energy Transition
Iran is facing serious environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change, which threaten its long-term sustainability. Rising temperatures, acute water shortages, and increasing frequency of natural disasters such as droughts and floods are placing mounting pressure on the nation’s ecosystems and agriculture. Iran’s heavy reliance on gas and oil, combined with …
Read More »Breaking Down Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Climate Agenda
After decades of growing rich on oil exports, Riyadh recognizes that it must adapt to a changing climate and global economy if the Kingdom—and Saudi leaders are betting big. In the last half-decade, Saudi Arabia has deliberately set out to realize a green economy and achieve an energy transition that …
Read More »Azerbaijan’s green shift: Energy transition, COP29 commitments, and US collaboration
The following article is based on research conducted under the State Department’s Title VIII Fellowship, for the Black Sea Program at MEI. During summer 2024, the author traveled to Baku and Karabakh and interviewed 15 policymakers from various government ministries, the private sector, academia, the parliament, and energy agencies. Azerbaijan …
Read More »Amid a Climate in Crisis, the UAE Doubles Down on Renewable Energy
The United Arab Emirates has decided to leverage its immense wealth to bring about a green revolution, but staying the path will require an enduring commitment. As increasingly devastating climate events underline the need to transition away from fossil fuels, the rapid and sustainable development of renewable energy resources has …
Read More »Iran’s Renewable Energy Aspirations and Geopolitical Challenges
Iran has realized the value of its vast renewable energy potential—but serious international and institutional obstacles threaten to derail Tehran’s green energy plans before they gain momentum. Although Iran is one of the world’s largest producers of fossil fuels, the Islamic Republic has increasingly focused on renewable energy to address its growing …
Read More »Navigating Energy Transition: Azerbaijan’s Role in COP29 and Global Partnerships
Historically reliant on its abundant gas and oil resources, Azerbaijan is currently experiencing a significant energy transition aimed at enhancing sustainability and broadening its energy composition. The country has made large investments in hydroelectric, solar, and wind power to meet its ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewable energy …
Read More »Shaping the Future: The 7th GECF Summit and Geopolitical Realities of the Gas Market
On the heels of its latest forum in Algiers, the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) has grown substantially in size and influence, highlighting the essential role of natural gas in balancing global energy, promoting sustainability, and addressing market volatility, technological challenges, and geopolitical tensions. The 7th Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Summit in Algiers …
Read More »Azerbaijan’s Energy Transition Strides and Efforts to Minimize Carbon Footprint
Key Points Azerbaijan’s energy transition is driven by several factors, including the country’s growing economy, increasing energy demand, and concerns about climate change.Azerbaijan has plentiful fossil fuel supplies used for export, but as there is a global move toward obtaining zero net greenhouse gas emissions, the country will need to …
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