Updating energy security and environmental policy: energy security theories revisited

Journal of Environmental Management. 2018. Vol. 223. P. 203–214.

Proskuryakova L. N.

The energy security theories are based on the premises of sufficient and reliable supply of fossil fuels at affordable prices in centralized supply systems. Policy-makers and company chief executives develop energy security strategies based on the energy security theories and definitions that dominate in the research and policy discourse. It is therefore of utmost importance that scientists revisit these theories in line with the latest changes in the energy industry: the rapid advancement of renewables and smart grid, decentralization of energy systems, new environmental and climate challenges. The study examines the classic energy security concepts (neorealism, neoliberalism, constructivism and international political economy) and assesses if energy technology changes are taken into consideration. This is done through integrative literature review, comparative analysis, identification of ‘international relations’ and ‘energy’ research discourse with the use of big data, and case studies of Germany, China, and Russia. The paper offers suggestions for revision of energy security concepts through integration of future technology considerations.

Keywords: энергетическая безопасность, energy security, энергетическая политика, энергетические технологии, Sustainable Energy, energy policy, energy technology, energy challenges, вызовы в энергетике, устойчивая энергетика

Publication based on the results of: Foresight tools for the study of digital transformation processes in the economy and the society (2018)