The Geopolitics of Energy System Transformation - by Michael J Bradshaw (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Available open access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.

Our global energy system needs radical and speedy transformation in order to meet climate change targets. This shift is currently conceived in two ways: a 'high carbon transition' away from fossil fuels and a 'low carbon transition', the development of a low carbon energy system. This accessible book guides us through the 'messy mix', the perilous ground that sits between the present and the future energy systems.

Evidence-based and solutions-focused, this is a novel framework to help manage geopolitical challenges and enable a swift, just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.

Review Quotes

'A crisp, insightful assessment of geopolitical rivalries and energy interdependencies keeping the world locked in a fraught fossil-renewable mix.' Philippe Le Billon, University of British Columbia

'A wonderful contribution to the energy transition debate. Using the Three Horizons framework, Bradshaw translates systemic challenges into clear, actionable insights. For anyone navigating the geopolitical complexities of the energy transition, this book is an indispensable resource.' Geraldine Wessing, Chief Political Analyst at Shell plc.

'A rigorous, clear-eyed examination of geopolitical battles and system complexity we must face to secure a managed and equitable transition.' Maria Pastukhova, E3G

'Highly insightful and accessible, this book should be read by anyone who wants to understand the drivers of the energy transition and how to navigate the mid-transition to achieve our climate goals.' Steve Pye, University College London

'A compelling guide for policymakers, energy companies, and investors simultaneously navigating the geopolitics of 'old' and 'new' energy systems.' Michael Collins, Energy Intelligence

'In this book Michael J. Bradshaw offers a concise yet comprehensive view of what he calls a 'messy mix'-- the complex and contested terrain of energy system transformation (EST) -- that intersects and overlaps with global geopolitics.

The book reads with remarkable clarity and ease. It is rich in detail, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to understand better how geopolitics affects the energy system transformation currently underway. Bradshaw shows how this core relationship can and should inform our understanding of many areas of global politics, from regime stability in fossil-fuel-dominated economies and the roots of international conflict to economic and social relations in a green-tech era.

Students, particularly graduates in such fields, will find this authoritative guide of much help, as will practitioners, policymakers, and industry professionals. I highly recommend it.' Morena Skalamera, Leiden University

'The goal of a 'low-carbon transition' may be clear enough, but transforming today's fossil-fuelled energy system is going to be messy. Bradshaw distils the forces and trajectories shaping this critical middle period - our here and now - and explains how geopolitical rivalry, geoeconomic competition, and fragmentation challenge the collaboration needed for international climate action. Wide-ranging and packed with contemporary analysis, this is a clear-eyed expert guide to navigating our messy future.' Gavin Bridge, Durham University

'This timely and important book addresses a key geopolitics challenge of our time: managing the messy transition towards net zero. An indispensable read for academics, policy makers and students alike.' Andreas C. Goldthau, University of Erfurt

'This is an important book that grapples with a crucial yet poorly understood phase of the energy transition - the Messy Mix. Through a geopolitical lens, Mike Bradshaw articulates why the coming decade will be messy and the importance of managing both the decline of the 'high carbon' system and its interplay with the 'low carbon' transition. Highly insightful and accessible, this book should be read by anyone who wants to understand the drivers of the energy transition and how to navigate the mid-transition to achieve our climate goals.' Steve Pye, UCL Energy Institute

About the Author