Research Institute for Sustainability Helmholtz Centre Potsdam

Geopolitics of Energy and Industrial Transformation

Rainer Quitzow

Prof. Dr. Rainer Quitzow

Research Group Leader
Doris Fuchs Leitungsteam RIFS

Prof. Dr. Doris Fuchs

Scientific Director
The energy transition is more than the development of new infrastructures and technologies; it entails far-reaching changes in society and the economy.
© Shutterstock/Love Silhouette

A global transition to sustainable energy is accompanied by important changes in the geopolitics and governance of energy. Against this background, the research group investigates how the global energy transition is affecting the international political economy of energy and identifies implications for foreign policy and international cooperation. It focuses in particular on the development of industrial strategies to reach climate neutrality targets against the background of increasing geoeconomic rivalry. An important example for this is the development of an international hydrogen economy and related political and economic change.

Transdisciplinary research for actionable solutions

The team combines disciplinary expertise from the fields of political science, economics and the environmental and physical sciences with expert knowledge from practitioners and policy makers in the energy sector. By engaging practitioners from government, business and civil society in our transdisciplinary research processes, we co-create actionable policy proposals and solutions.

Projects

A source of hope: green hydrogen produced with electricity from renewable resources.

Techno-Economic and Political Dimensions of a Global Hydrogen Economy

Wind turbines in the Indian state of Rajasthan: renewable energies are on the rise across the globe.

Politics and Governance of the Global Energy Transition

Production of a superconducting cable

Superconducting cables for sustainable energy transition (SCARLET)

Wasserstoff gilt als zentraler Baustein der globalen Energiewende.

Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation: Sustainability Governance in the Hydrogen Sector

Expired Projects in Group

Germany has to buy a large part of its green hydrogen from wind- and sun-rich regions of the world.

Global Potentials for the Production and Export of Green Hydrogen (HYPAT)

Green hydrogen

Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation: Implications of an International Hydrogen Economy (GET Hydrogen)

The value chains of the global hydrogen economy are constantly evolving.

Scoping Study: Monitoring the Global Hydrogen Economy

English Version

Social Sustainability Barometer of the Energy Transition

Increasingly, discussions of the energy transition are revolving around questions of fairness, justice, and social responsibility, with a particular focus on financing, public acceptance of wind turbines and transmission lines, the coal phase-out, and working conditions in the wind and solar industry.
Green hydrogen is considered a promising energy resource.

A European Roadmap for Green Hydrogen

Smart home automation systems help save energy.

Decarbonisation of the Energy System

Superconducting electric cables could provide benefits in terms of size, costs, efficiency and environmental impact.

BEyond State-of-the-art Technologies for rePowering Ac corridors and multi-Terminal HVDC Systems (BEST PATHS)

African engineer standing in front of wind turbine

Mapping of Energy Initiatives in Africa for the Africa-EU Energy Partnership

Solar power plant in Somalia

The Future of Energy Supply in Africa

Team

Rainer Quitzow

Prof. Dr. Rainer Quitzow

Research Group Leader
Dr. Adela Marian

Dr. Adela Marian

Scientific Project Leader
Laima Eicke

Laima Eicke

Research Associate
Yana Zabanova

Yana Zabanova

Research Associate
Jeremy Oestreich

Jeremy Oestreich

Student Assistant
Darina Karaivanova-Saase

Darina Karaivanova-Saase

Administrator
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News

The Geopolitics of Hydrogen

“The Geopolitics of Hydrogen”: Book explores European strategies

The European Union and many European countries have ambitious targets for the production and import of hydrogen. The book ‘The Geopolitics of Hydrogen’, edited by RIFS researchers Rainer Quitzow and Yana Zabanova, provides a comprehensive analysis of EU hydrogen policy and the national strategies of European countries.
Germany's engagement with partner countries for the promotion of green hydrogen

Success of German Hydrogen Strategy Depends on Production Capacities in Partner Countries

Germany aims to become a global leader in hydrogen technologies. In contrast to other countries, its hydrogen strategy places a strong focus on promoting “green hydrogen” based on renewable energies, supported by cooperation with partners in distant regions. While this approach is likely to constrain progress at first, it may be the only way for Germany to achieve its climate targets in the longer run, RIFS researchers argue in a study published in Energy Strategy Reviews. At the same time, this means that the success of Germany’s hydrogen strategy depends on the development of production capacities in partner countries.
Green hydrogen is considered a promising energy resource.

Europe Is Not Making Sufficient Use of Its Hydrogen Potential

To reach climate neutrality, Europe’s industry will need large quantities of carbon-neutral hydrogen in the future. Many European countries, including Germany, are planning large investments to develop and ramp up the hydrogen industry needed for this. Within the HyPat research project, a new study by RIFS Potsdam, Fraunhofer ISI and the German Energy Agency (dena) makes five recommendations to the EU and the Member States.
Solar roofs in Kenya: More and more governments are embracing the idea of "green growth".

Strategic Framing, Financial Support and Capacity-Building Could Raise Climate Ambitions

The world’s technologically advanced countries have called for the adoption of a ‘green growth’ model of economic development in international climate negotiations. But advocacy alone will not motivate countries to protect the climate. Policymakers should highlight other benefits of climate action, such as for health and food security, researchers recommend in a new study.
A solar array in Kazakhstan, where interest in renewable energy is growing.

Interest in Renewable Energy Slowly Growing in Resource-Rich Countries in Central Asia

Fossil fuel industries dominate the economies of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. However, interest in green technologies, renewable energy, and hydrogen is also gathering pace – albeit unevenly – in the three Central Asian states, according to a recent study by RIFS researcher Yana Zabanova
Wasserstoff gilt als entscheidend für das Erreichen von Netto-Null.

Research Examines International Hydrogen Policies

As countries get to grips with their climate-neutrality targets, hydrogen has assumed a key role in transitions in energy and industry around the world. A new series of discussion papers published by the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) provides a detailed analysis of hydrogen strategies and policies in different countries and regions.
China is pursing a strategy aimed at expanding the supply of hydrogen from all sources

China's Hydrogen Strategy: Sustainable Generation Not A Priority

Hydrogen is widely viewed as a beacon of hope for the global energy transition. China is pursuing an ambitious agenda to strengthen its hydrogen sector. As a new RIFS Study of China's emerging hydrogen economy shows, its current efforts prioritize industrial development ahead of decarbonization and energy security concerns.
hydrogenproduction Gulfstates

Why the Gulf States Are Betting on Hydrogen

Why are Gulf oil and gas producers so keen to promote hydrogen energy? This question is addressed in a new discussion paper by Natalie Koch, political geographer and fellow at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS). She concludes that for political and corporate leaders in the Gulf states, pivoting towards hydrogen serves to maintain the social, political, and economic status quo. Questions of energy justice are likely to remain, however.
On 28th and 29th of September, the partners of the SCARLET project gathered at the IASS for their kick-off meeting.

Superconducting Cables for Europe’s Clean Energy Future

Rising amounts of renewable energy coupled with an increase in decentralised power generation call for the modernisation and significant expansion of the European grids. The EU project SCARLET (“Superconducting cables for sustainable energy transition”) unites 15 partners from 7 countries around the goal of designing and industrially manufacturing superconducting cables to enable more efficient and less costly power transmission from renewable electricity generation sites.
Solar power is booming across the globe.

Integrating International Quality Standards in Solar Auctions

Solar power is booming across the globe, and public auctions have become the dominant policy tool for deployment. But a lack of solar-specific experience and capacity in newly adopting countries can result in technical failures and lower solar plant performance. International quality standards used as technical requirements in the design of public auctions could offer a solution. An IASS Policy Brief outlines the potential benefits and challenges.
Wind power infrastructure will need to be expanded rapidly if Germany is to meet the increasing demand for electricity and achieve its climate protection targets.

Accelerating the Expansion of Wind Power

Ensuring the successful expansion of wind power will require the broad involvement of citizens. A new IASS Policy Brief offers recommendations for policymakers on how they can rally citizens behind the goals of the energy transition, support public participation at the municipal level, and improve the equity of participation opportunities.

Energy Transition Enjoys Broad Support among German Populace – and for Most, is not Proceeding Fast Enough

What does German public opinion say about the clean-energy transition? According to the findings of a recent representative survey, almost 80 percent of Germans see the decarbonization of the energy and transport sectors as a collective responsibility. More than half think the transformation is not occurring with sufficient speed. In addition, most view the transformation as too expensive.
The EU wants to cooperate more intensively with Africa.

EU-Africa Strategy: How Green Growth Can Succeed

The EU wants to cooperate more intensively with Africa in five key areas: the green transition and energy access, digital transformation, sustainable growth and employment, peace and governance, and migration and mobility. A new Policy Brief makes recommendations for the successful implementation of the EU-Africa Strategy proposed in March 2020.
A couple monitors the efficiency of its home heating system from the couch. Shutterstock/ HQuality

The Neglected Heating Sector

Heating accounts for over 50 per cent of final energy consumption. So reducing the emissions that result from heating buildings would make a huge difference to the climate. What strategies are being pursued to realise this potential in Germany and the UK? A study by researchers from the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) finds that both countries could do a lot more to mitigate climate change in the heating sector.
The chemicals industry is hoping for policy and regulatory frameworks that will make CCU products economically viable.

Industry Faces Major Challenges in Utilisation of CO2 Emissions

Innovations in the area of carbon utilisation are the subject of growing interest. Novel technologies that capture CO2 emissions for industrial use can contribute to building a circular carbon economy and reduce consumption of fossil‐based raw materials. A recent study analyses the economic challenges and opportunities these technologies present to different industries.
Green hydrogen based on renewable energies can contribute to the energy transition.

Hydrogen and the Energy Transition: An Issue for Foreign Policy

Hydrogen and hydrogen-based synthetic fuels (so-called e-fuels) are a hot topic in current energy policy debates. On 18 March 2020 the German government will present its National Hydrogen Strategy. Meanwhile, the European Commission is exploring the idea of establishing a European Hydrogen Alliance as part of its industrial strategy for the European Union.
Smart thermostats can help households save energy.

Smart Thermostats Prove their Worth in Poorly Insulated Buildings

High investment costs are a major impediment to the energetic refurbishment of residential buildings in Germany. Smart thermostats are a relatively inexpensive alternative. An IASS study shows that they are cost-effective for homes with a medium to low efficiency standard even when the realised energy savings are modest.
Flaggen UNclimatechange - CC BY 2.0

Global Climate Change Conference in Madrid The IASS at COP25

Taking place in Madrid from 2 to 13 December, the 25th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 25) will focus on the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement. The Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) will be represented in Madrid by a number of experts, who will address a range of issues.
slate layers

Fracking Likely to Result in High Emissions

Natural gas releases fewer harmful air pollutants and greenhouse gases than other fossil fuels. That’s why it is often seen as a bridge technology to a low-carbon future. A new study by the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) has estimated emissions from shale gas production through fracking in Germany and the UK. It shows that CO2-eq. emissions would exceed the estimated current emissions from conventional gas production in Germany.
Baden-württembergischer Order of Merit for Ortwin Renn

Order of Merit Awarded to IASS Director

Eighteen people were recently awarded the Order of Merit of the federal state of Baden-Württemberg by Governor Winfried Kretschmann. Professor Ortwin Renn, Scientific Director at the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) was among them. Renn was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the transfer of scientific insights into politics, public administration and management and his unstinting commitment to a just and sustainable economic and social order.

Blog Posts

Saran Solar Farm in Kazakhstan’s coal-rich Karaganda Region.

02.07.2024

Kazakhstan: Central Asia’s Energy Transition Pioneer

In the geopolitics of the global energy transformation, Kazakhstan’s enormous wind and solar potential – coupled with land availability and rich reserves of critical raw materials – represent a strong strategic advantage. Renewables can supply low-cost power to the growing population, bolster energy security and reduce power imports, help decarbonise industry and transport, and attract foreign investment. For a fossil-dependent economy like Kazakhstan, harnessing these benefits is essential for adapting to the decarbonising global economy and contributing to global climate action.
Solar panels at a gas storage facility in the Netherlands.

29.12.2023

How Decarbonization Will Transform the Geography of Industrial Production: New Evidence on the “Renewables Pull” Hypothesis

The availability of renewable energy is an important factor for future investment decisions in the chemical and steel industry. This is a key finding of our survey of 300 decision-makers from the chemical and steel industry. 92 per cent of the respondents anticipate that their company will relocate facilities as it seeks to decarbonize production. In addition to low-cost renewable energies, the respondents identify political support as a key factor in investment location decisions.
Fertilizers are a cornerstone of modern agriculture, silently underpinning the sustenance of 8 billion people daily.

06.12.2023

The Geopolitics and Decarbonization of Fertilizer Supply Chains

In the vast arena of global commodities, fertilizers play a silent yet fundamental role. With a market value of $207 billion, they are a cornerstone of modern agriculture, silently underpinning the sustenance of 8 billion people daily. But this essential industry is at a crossroads, grappling with the enormous challenges of decarbonization, volatile geopolitics, and the imperative of food security. The RIFS research project "Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation: Implications of an International Hydrogen Economy" hosted a series of webinars on the "Geopolitics of Fertilizer Supply Chains" about the complexities of the fertilizer industry and the most urgent challenges facing this crucial sector.
Green hydrogen offers opportunities to develop technological leadership within an emerging net-zero economy.

25.09.2023

The Political Economy of Green Hydrogen in Europe: Reinforcing Regional Inequalities?

In February 2023, the EU presented the Green Deal Industrial Plan, in which it laid out its strategy for the green transition in industry and energy. Green hydrogen will be an essential cornerstone of this transition. The scale-up of renewable hydrogen production and its use in industry and transport has the potential to achieve decarbonization where direct electrification is not an option. Green hydrogen also offers opportunities to develop technological leadership and economic perspectives within a future net-zero economy.
Windräder im Abendlicht Erneuerbare

07.08.2023

The Right Way to Intervene in Clean Tech

Energy markets have clearly failed to accelerate the deployment of renewables. But as the pendulum swings in the direction of state intervention, policymakers must create the conditions for the public and private sectors to work together to manage a timely green transition and avoid a popular backlash against climate goals.
Container ship on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, on the west coast of North America.

06.07.2022

Hydrogen in Canada: War in Ukraine kindles new interest

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has intensified European policymakers’ interest in developing energy trade relations with Canada, as the former is seeking to identify reliable partners to swiftly diversify its fossil fuel imports.
Solar hybrid mini-grid power plant in Shimankar Community, Shendam Local Government Area, Nigeria.

11.01.2022

The Nigerian Electrification Project – An example of a successful rural electrification design?

Nigeria has one of the lowest net electricity generation per capita rates in the world with an estimated national electrification rate of 55% and rural electrification rate of only 39%. To achieve universal access to electricity by 2030, Nigeria will need to connect between 500,000 to 800,000 households per year, especially focused on the rural areas.
Signing of the Implementation Agreement for Nigeria in Abuja. From left to right: Onyeche Tifase, CEO Siemens Nigeria, Alex Okoh, Director General of Bureau of Public Enterprises, Joe Kaeser, President and CEO of Siemens AG and Regine Hess, German deputy ambassador to Nigeria.

20.09.2021

The Siemens-Nigeria Electrification Roadmap Partnership: After Two Years, Where Does It Stand?

The Nigerian government and German energy company Siemens AG signed the Nigerian Electrification Roadmap (NER) partnership, also known as the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) in 2019. The Roadmap contains technical and commercial proposals for financing, implementing, and executing projects to revive the Nigerian power sector and manage Nigeria’s future electricity requirements.
Solarpanels Windenergy energy transition

15.07.2020

Germany’s New Building Energy Act is a Missed Opportunity

Thanks to plummeting prices for electricity generated from renewables, the energy transition in the electricity sector has really taken off. It has also been at the forefront of recent public debates on the coal exit and minimum distance rules for wind turbines. But it is the heating sector that accounts for most of Germany’s energy consumption: According to the German Environment Agency, building heating alone represents around 32 per cent of the country’s total energy consumption. So the energy transition in the heating sector is a key arena for successful climate protection. The Building Energy Act (Gebäudeenergiegesetz) adopted by the German Bundestag on 18 June explicitly refers to the need for action in this sector.
The Trump administration promotes fossil fuels, while Germany aims to move away from them.

19.07.2019

U.S. and German Energy Policy at a Crossroads? The Transatlantic Partners and the Future of Energy Cooperation

The U.S. and Germany are moving in fundamentally different directions with their energy policies. Germany has embarked on its “Energiewende,” an energy strategy based on renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as the phase-out of fossil fuels and nuclear energy. It is an important building block in the country’s climate protection endeavors. The U.S. under the Trump administration has abandoned its national and international climate commitments. It is pursuing an “Energy Dominance” strategy that seeks to expand the production of U.S. coal, natural gas, and oil. This strategy marks a significant departure from the Obama administration, which pursued a climate action plan focused on fostering clean energy in the U.S. and abroad.
Economic growth and rising consumer needs require a secure energy supply. Many developing and emerging countries are resorting to cheap loans from the G20 to build coal-fired power plants.

27.06.2019

Financing of coal power by G20 states is undermining the Paris climate agreement

In the upcoming days Japan will hosts its first ever G20 Summit. As the main contributers to global warming, the G20 states agreed 2009 on a phase out plan of fossil fuel subsidies. Ten years later the failure of the G20 to act on global warming is evident: around $63.9 billion was spent by G20 countries this year to develop coal industries in the global south.

Events

14.03.2024
Seminar

Incentivising hydrogen demand: Critical challenges and opportunities

This seminar on creating hydrogen demand focuses on questions such as decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors, market design, legislation/regulation, and bankability, and local demand or international off-take agreements.
22.02.2024 - 23.02.2024
Online conference

Green hydrogen: fueling just decarbonization or ‘greening’ extractivism?

Green hydrogen is being discussed globally as one of the necessary contributions to a decarbonized economy. However, its role in achieving a just transition is controversial.
05.02.2024
Workshop/Call for Papers

Climate Finance and Investment in Times of Crisis: Towards a New Partnership with the Global South

This workshop will explore the evolution of climate finance within the context of the current vacuum of leadership within the international system. The goal of the workshop is to build a network of scholars in the field and discuss possible applications for a research grant on the topic.
26.10.2023
Webinar

Geopolitics of Global Fertilizer Supply Chains: Decarbonization and its Implications for Africa

The Research Institute for Sustainability Potsdam (RIFS) is pleased to announce the second installment in its webinar series, this time focusing on the decarbonization of the fertilizer industry and the consequent implications for the African continent.
13.10.2023
Hydrogen bus

The UK Hydrogen Strategy: A Partner for Europe?

A roundtable discussion jointly organised by the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS Potsdam) and the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES)
12.10.2023
Study Launch & Discussion

Hydrogen in the Nordics

On the occasion of the publication of a policy paper on hydrogen strategies in the Nordic countries and the potential for closer cooperation within and beyond the region for the development of a European hydrogen economy, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), in cooperation with the Research Institute for Sustainability - RIFS Potsdam (Germany), Tankesmien Agenda (Norway), and the Kalevi Sorsa Foundation (Finland) is hosting a German-Nordic expert discussion.
04.10.2023
Webinar

Geopolitics of Global Fertilizer Supply Chains: Implications of the War in Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has had profound impacts on global supply chains and food security, particularly influencing the production and trade of synthetic fertilizers closely interwoven with the energy and agricultural sectors. As part of the "Geopolitics of Energy Transformation" project funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, this roundtable aims to shed light on the geopolitical dynamics and vulnerabilities inherent to fertilizer supply chains, including the ramifications of decarbonization initiatives.
28.02.2023
Hydrogen foreign policy
Discussion

Entry points for developing a hydrogen foreign policy: How to build partnerships and balance climate protection and geopolitical risks?

International cooperation between the EU and potential partners in the context of the emerging hydrogen economy is of crucial importance. This event discusses the key questions and challenges for promoting international cooperation within an emerging hydrogen economy while pursuing climate protection policies and accounting for the current geopolitical risks.
14.02.2023
Study presentation

Green Hydrogen and International Cooperation

Lead author Rainer Quitzow (RIFS Potsdam) will publicly present the results of the study "Building partnerships for an international hydrogen economy. Entry-points for European policy action", followed by a discussion with Christiane Averbeck (Climate Alliance Germany), Markus Exenberger (H2Global Foundation), Maira Kusch (World Energy Council - Germany), and Andreas Rimkus (SPD Parliamentary Group).
28.09.2022 - 29.09.2022
Production of superconducting cables

SCARLET Kick-off Meeting

With 15 leading organisations from research and industry, the EU-funded project Superconducting cables for sustainable energy transition (SCARLET) aims to develop and industrially manufacture superconducting cables in kilometric lengths in order to increase the pan-European transmission network capacity and electricity system flexibility. The kick-off meeting for the project will take place at the IASS on the 28th and 29th of September.
15.09.2022 - 16.09.2022
Green hydrogen
Workshop & Roundtable

External Dimensions of Hydrogen Policies in Europe: Towards Greater Coordination and Stronger International Partnerships

Achieving the ambitious European hydrogen goals will be impossible without greater intra-European coordination and strong international partnerships along the hydrogen value chain. The 1.5-day workshop and roundtable will seek to promote an open exchange on hydrogen developments in the EU and key member states and how these might be mobilized for a more effective and more aligned European strategy.
29.11.2021
Green hydrogen
Fachgesprächsreihe Grüner Wasserstoff

Herausforderungen und Potenziale einer Kooperation mit den Nordischen Staaten

Die Substitution fossiler Energieträger ist ein zentraler Baustein der Energiewende. Um die Transformation hin zu einer klimaneutralen Wirtschaft zu gewährleisten, spielt die Wasserstofftechnologie eine wichtige Rolle, z.B. in der Stahlindustrie.
02.04.2020 - 03.04.2020
ONLINE WORKSHOP

CIFE-IASS Workshop: Systemic Risks, Geopolitics of the Energy Transition, Global Digital Economy

What are the best pathways for sustainable futures? Master in Global Economic Governance & Public Affairs run an international dialogue with researchers of the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS). Better Governance is at the core of major challenges of the 21st century such as Systemic Risks and the Covid19 crises, the Geopolitics of the Energy Transition, Global Digital Economy”.
04.03.2020
Hydrogen foreign policy

Hydrogen and the Energy Transition: An Issue for Foreign Policy

The IASS and the Federal Foreign Office invited experts from various federal ministries, industry, civil society and science to discuss Germany’s "hydrogen foreign policy".
04.09.2019 - 07.09.2019
Oil and renewables
Panels

Political Economy of the Global Energy Transition: A Multi-Scalar Perspective

The Academic Convenors of the ECPR General Conference in Wrocław 2019, taking place from September 4th to 7th, 2019, have confirmed a Section on "Political Economy of the Global Energy Transition: a Multi-scalar Perspective" (Section 44), initiated by the IASS and partners.
10.10.2018

Erdgasinfrastrukturen im postfossilen Europa: Verschrotten oder neuer Wein in alten Röhren?

Bei der Energiewende steht bisher die Entwicklung der Strominfrastruktur im Mittelpunkt. Die Erdgasinfrastruktur ist für die Nachhaltigkeitstransformation aber ebenso wichtig. Diese Tagung am IASS fokussiert auf Erdgas als Teil des fossilen Trios