Low-carbon Energy Security from a European Perspective

Chapter 5

Reshaping Equilibria

Renewable Energy Mega-Projects and Energy Security

M. Gruenig^1,2,  and B. O’Donnell^2     1Ecologic Institute, Berlin, Germany     ²Ecologic Institute US, Washington, DC, United States

Abstract

Renewable energy mega-projects have the potential to play a significant role in Europe's transition to a low-carbon energy system. However, the question remains whether these expansive undertakings will contribute to energy security. Four mega-projects at various stages of planning, construction and implementation are examined in this chapter. Two projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Noor and DESERTEC, interpret the idea of interdependent energy systems in contrasting ways, the latter relying on the existing ...