https://hdl.handle.net/10419/306920 2026-10-24T16:55:38Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/322267 Title: The geopolitical and commercial implications of green industrial policy Editors: Fattouh, Bassam; Henderson, James; Overland, Indra Abstract: Industrial policy has a long history, having been used by many governments to encourage economic development through the provision of direct financial support and/or supportive regulations to specific sectors and industries. Over the past decade, the energy transition has increasingly forced countries to address the question of their competitive position in the many and complex value chains that are emerging to support the development and use of green fuels and the vast infrastructure needed to support their use. Governments are now looking to promote the domestic exploitation of critical minerals, the creation of secure supply chains, the development of advanced green technologies, and an increase in carbon-free energy to generate economic growth, energy security, and competitive advantage as part of their overall geopolitical and economic strategies. Three major blocs have emerged, led by China, the EU, and the US, and the competition between these three is now dominating the discussions around green industrial policy. However, many other countries are seeking to establish their positions within the supply chains being created by the rapid expansion of low- or zero-carbon energy sources while also adapting to the industrial policy frameworks established by the largest players. This edition of the Oxford Energy Forum seeks to describe and analyse how the multiple pieces of this complex jigsaw are starting to fit together. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/307001 Title: Nuclear energy in the global energy landscape: advancing sustainability and ensuring energy security? Editors: Fattouh, Bassam; Vakhshouri, Sara Abstract: Following the Russia-Ukraine war, the issue of energy security has once again surged to the forefront of global discussions. The disruption and threats to global energy security caused by the war have starkly exposed the vulnerability of energy supply chains, accentuating the pressing need for robust and secure energy sources. In this context, different countries, notably in the European Union, have emphasized the pivotal role of nuclear power generation in addressing these concerns and ensuring energy security. The recently signed global stocktake agreement at COP28 also emphasizes the significance of nuclear energy in the broader context of the energy transition and the acceleration of zero- and low-emission technologies. As we find ourselves at the vanguard of an unprecedented energy transition towards sustainable, low-carbon, and environmentally responsible energy supplies, nuclear power emerges as a compelling solution to the energy trilemma. Nevertheless, expanding the role of nuclear energy is far from straightforward, characterized by intricate challenges spanning economic viability, cost-effectiveness, fuel supply dynamics, evolving technologies, regulatory frameworks, public acceptance, and the intricate geopolitics intertwined with the expanding role of nuclear energy. This issue of the Oxford Energy Forum explores nuclear energy's multifaceted role along four key themes: – 1. The cases for and against nuclear power: The initial section presents articles that provide compelling arguments both for and against nuclear power generation, facilitating a balanced discourse on its merits and limitations. – 2. Technological advancements in nuclear energy: This section delves into the latest technological advancements in the field of nuclear energy including SMRs and nuclear fusion, shedding light on innovations poised to enhance safety and efficiency. – 3. Country and regional experiences: The third section casts a discerning eye on the geographical expansion of nuclear energy, examining its adoption across various regions and the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this global diversification. – 4. Geopolitics of nuclear energy and medical isotopes: The final section delves into the geopolitics of nuclear energy and recognizes the interconnectedness between the growth of the nuclear industry and the geopolitics of nuclear medical isotopes. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/307002 Title: Powering the Future: Energy Storage in Tomorrow's Electricity Markets Editors: Poudineh, Rahmat; Apostolopoulou, Dimitra Abstract: Energy storage, encompassing not only the storage of electricity but also the storage of energy in various forms such as heat and chemicals, is a linchpin in the movement toward a decarbonized energy sector, due to its myriad roles in fortifying grid reliability, facilitating the integration of renewables, and advocating for energy efficiency and equity. Furthermore, energy storage facilitates the electrification of various sectors, including transportation and heating, promotes energy access in remote and underserved regions, and encourages the development of innovative business models and services in electricity markets. By exploring these topics, the articles in this issue of the Oxford Energy Forum (OEF) aim to stimulate insightful discussions that will influence policy, regulation, and market development, pushing forward the integration of energy storage solutions. The issue focuses on the critical function of energy storage in evolving electricity markets, highlighting its necessity in renewable integration and grid stability. It explores various storage forms, such as battery and chemical, and their role in balancing energy supply and demand both in short- as well as long-term, thus supporting a shift toward decarbonization. Additionally, it addresses the economic challenges posed by the high upfront costs, regulatory and revenue uncertainties of energy storage projects. The issue also examines different market designs and support schemes to alleviate these risks, underlining the need for innovative solutions to ensure long-term financial viability for storage investors and adapting electricity markets to accommodate the unique characteristics of storage technologies for sustainable energy system operations. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/10419/307003 Title: Gas to 2030: Transition, Supply Risk and Market Uncertainty Editors: Fattouh, Bassam; Farren-Price, Bill Abstract: This gas-focused edition of the Oxford Energy Forum updates the scorecard on the key issues driving medium to long-term gas demand prospects in key consuming countries. Whether it is European climate policy and the regulation of decarbonized gases, the demand outlook for Asian industrial economies or the political and macroeconomic context for energy transition, this issue attempts to unpick the key themes and challenges in the global gas picture. Beyond the OECD countries, it looks at China, India and Africa from a policy, investment and resource perspective, while also digging into the dynamics of global gas supply that will underpin the growing LNG market. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z