Geopolitical Challenges: Energy Transition and Dependencies

This lecture discusses the geopolitical implications of energy transition, focusing on the evolution of energy systems and the importance of understanding various geopolitical and economic factors. The instructor outlines the structure of the session, which is divided into two parts: the first part covers geopolitical aspects of energy transition, while the second part presents project guidelines for upcoming assignments. Key themes include the decoupling of energy resources, energy security, and the impact of geopolitical events on energy prices. The lecture emphasizes the need for a diversified energy supply and the challenges posed by dependencies on foreign resources, particularly in the context of renewable energy materials. The instructor highlights the critical role of rare materials in energy production and the geopolitical dynamics surrounding their extraction and refinement. The session concludes with a discussion on the concept of decoupling economic growth from energy consumption and the challenges of achieving sustainable energy practices.