GEAB Summer Special Issue. Synopsis

The Future of Energy: A Tortuous Maze

Energy issues are at a critical crossroads for European economies, now more than ever before. The war in Ukraine has increased the EU’s energy dependency on the rest of the world, particularly China and the United States. Few ambitions can be achieved without mastering energy supplies. How can reindustrialisation and food sovereignty be reached? How can an ecological or even digital transition be carried out when there is no control over the essential energy flows needed to power these endeavours?

This is why we decided to present this summer a GEAB special issue on the future of energy. Our research on the subject has fueled the publication of our bulletin since its creation in 2006. Recently, our June issue focused on the resource tensions exacerbated by the rush towards AI, convincing us to revisit our most significant anticipations and share them with you in this special edition to be published on the 31st of July.

Thus, a hybrid issue will be comprising a selection of the most impactful anticipations published in the GEAB over the past ten years, supplemented by new research to update the current state of the discussed themes. You will find anticipations, analyses and perspectives on oil, renewables and nuclear energy. The entire issue is underpinned by this question: How much longer can we postpone the shock? This is the main takeaway from our archive analysis. A shock is on the horizon despite multiple alarms and awareness-raising, because resource tensions are intensifying every day and no reduction in energy consumption is being adopted.

Reviewing our anticipations is essential for the methodological rigour we adhere to. It is also rich in lessons for you, our dear readers. We are also keen to collect your opinions and experiences through a survey you can take part in by following this link.

With this issue, let us take a step back together to remember how inevitable this shock seems to those who do not take the time to measure the magnitude of the challenge.

Summary of the Summer Special Issue :

1. When will the oil death knell sound?
2. New energy solutions, new consumption modes
3. Navigating through future energy trends
4. A nuclear future

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