The geopolitics of the energy transition
When: 23 October 2025 | 11:15-12:25
Format: Breakout session
For in-person participation, please register via the conference app. You can access your profile here.
Hosted by: International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
As the global energy landscape undergoes a profound transformation, the shift toward decarbonisation is redefining energy security, creating new dependencies, reshaping global power dynamics, exposing new vulnerabilities, and prompting renewed competition and cooperation against the backdrop of an accelerating climate crisis. This transition is intensifying the need for resilient supply chains, inclusive governance, and robust international collaboration to ensure that the benefits and burdens of the energy transition are shared equitably. This breakout session will explore the central questions at the heart of this transition, as follows:
How will declining dependence on fossil fuels reshape global power dynamics and energy trade patterns?
What new vulnerabilities and strategic risks emerge from growing reliance on critical minerals, renewable technologies, and hydrogen supply chains?
How can countries balance climate commitments with the imperatives of energy and economic security?
Which geopolitical fault lines are likely to intensify - or diminish - as the transition accelerates?
Bringing together leading experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, the breakout session will analyse emerging risks, identify opportunities, and anticipate changes in geopolitical equilibriums. Participants will engage in discussions designed to generate actionable insights for policy and strategic decision-making, equipping governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to navigate the complex policy and geopolitical challenges of a decarbonising world.
Speakers:
- Maurício Angelo, Founder, The Mining Observatory
- Julia Sophie Hammelehle, Senior Policy Advisor, Munich Security Conference
- Hans Olav Ibrekk, Special Envoy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway
- Lauren Risi, Senior Fellow and Director of Environmental Security, Stimson Center
Moderated by Dr Irene Mia, Senior Fellow, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS)
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