Paper: Middle East Energy and Geopolitics

The world is moving towards a decarbonized energy system. Renewable energy is expanding dramatically and so is the demand for natural gas. In light of the growing energy demand worldwide, natural gas as the cleanest-burning hydrocarbon can represent a bridging fuel in the transition to decarbonised energy markets given its environmental advantages and the role of gas in backing up the intermittent renewable power generation. The conference “Middle East Energy & Geopolitics” organised by the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation and Maison du Futur discussed future opportunities and challenges of the energy transformation in the region. In this paper, KAS PhD scholar Isabel Weiss covers the key topics discussed during the sessions and includes additional insights to complement the issues revolving around energy security for Europe and geopolitical changes.