Energy interconnections: a tool for stability or a vector of geopolitical risk?

In a growing and globalized world, energy interconnections, from power grids to pipelines, help meet rising energy demand but also serve as potential vectors of geopolitical risk. While there is a compelling logic for enlarged, interconnected energy grids to balance intermittent distributed resources, integration has been stymied across geographies by regional politics and cybersecurity concerns. Natural gas interconnectors, whether they be pipelines or LNG terminals, bring needed fuel to demand centres, but often end up as pressure points in international disputes. As the world looks to cross-border, integrated energy systems to meet rising demand and climate targets, effective interconnection policy frameworks and models are crucial to achieving national goals. What are the emerging visions for energy interconnection in the 21st century? Will interconnections ultimately serve to advance regional energy security, or catalyze conflict?

H.E. Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Energy and Industry of the United Arab Emirates

Thorsten Herdan, Director General, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Germany

Ramzi Mroueh, Managing Director, Origination, Cheniere Energy Inc.

Nandita Parshad, Managing Director, Sustainable Infrastructure Group, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Zheng Baihua, Director-General of Development Bureau, Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization

Moderated by: Jennifer Gnana, Energy Correspondent, The National

The Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Forum is the go-to conference on the geopolitics of the energy transformation, where energy and foreign policy leaders come together to set the energy agenda for the year and examine the longer-term geopolitical and geo-economic implications of the changing energy system.

The 2020 iteration of the forum focuses on three key themes: the role of the oil and gas industry in the energy transition, financing the future of energy, and interconnections in a new era of geopolitics. The forum’s regional footprint has expanded to emphasize increasing energy demand in South and Southeast Asia.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, the forum is held in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Industry, ADNOC, and Mubadala, and is part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

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