Goodbye petrostates, hello 'electrostates': clean energy shift reshaping world
7 hours ago
- #renewable-energy
- #geopolitics
- #electrostates
- Global geopolitics has historically been shaped by oil and gas, with countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia gaining wealth and influence.
- The shift to renewable energy is challenging traditional power structures, with nations rich in sun, wind, and critical minerals poised to gain geopolitical influence.
- The concept of 'electrostates' is emerging, where nations dominate the energy transition through supply chains in critical minerals, battery production, and clean energy technologies.
- China leads as an electrostate, processing a majority of the world's lithium and rare earth elements, and dominating solar panel and wind turbine production.
- China's dominance in renewables has led to global initiatives by the US, EU, and others to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains.
- Australia has significant potential to become an electrostate due to its large reserves of lithium, nickel, and rare earths, but needs to invest in refining, manufacturing, and innovation.
- Strategic partnerships, environmental standards, and smart policy decisions are crucial for Australia to capitalize on its electrostate potential.