ABSTRACT
This chapter examines global energy dependency, a critical issue for sustainable energy systems and long-term development. Energy systems can only support sustainable growth if they rely on resources available consistently over time and space at stable and affordable prices, without compromising future generations’ ability to maintain similar systems. Dependency, particularly on fossil fuels, is a central challenge due to their uneven geographical distribution, which creates significant geopolitical and economic vulnerabilities.
The chapter begins by defining the concepts of energy reserves and resources, highlighting their technical, economic, and political uncertainties. It then delves into dependency issues related to the three major fossil fuels: oil, natural gas, and coal. Oil dependency, shaped by the dominance of a few resource-rich nations, has driven global trade, geopolitical tensions, and price instability. Similarly, natural gas dependency is explored through its reliance on specialized infrastructure for transportation and the geopolitical risks associated with pipeline routes. Coal, while less globally traded, reveals contrasting dependency patterns, especially in Asia, where domestic reserves have supported rapid industrial growth but exacerbated environmental challenges.
Through data and case studies, this chapter evaluates how energy systems evolve to address or exacerbate interdependencies, laying the groundwork for discussions on resource depletion and the global energy transition in subsequent chapters.
