Energy Transition and Energy Security in the Mediterranean

One of the policy areas of the new Agenda for the Mediterranean is green transition: climate resilience, energy and the environment. The recommendation is to take advantage of the potential of a lowcarbon future, protect the region’s natural resources and generate green growth. In this perspective, the chapter examines the Mediterranean region’s role in global energy dynamics, focusing on the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy and the implications for energy security. The Mediterranean Sea, a historically significant trade route, connects Europe, Africa and Asia, making the region geopolitically crucial. Our study explores the production and consumption patterns of fossil fuels, particularly oil and natural gas, highlighting the dominant role of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries in production. Despite the rise in renewable energy consumption in Europe, fossil fuels remain predominant. The energy transition section delves into renewable energy generation, showcasing Spain, France, and Italy’s advancements in wind and solar power. It also addresses the financial and infrastructural challenges associated with the transition, emphasizing policies and investments aimed at enhancing renewable energy capacity. The MENA region’s slower transition is noted, driven by abundant fossil fuel resources and emerging renewable energy projects. The chapter further investigates energy security in light of recent geopolitical events, namely the Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Hamas conflict. These conflicts have significantly impacted energy supply dynamics, with Europe and Africa facing production declines while the Middle East’s production increased to fill gaps left by reduced Russian supplies. The aim of this chapter is to explore the complex interplay of geopolitical, economic and environmental factors in the energy transition within the Mediterranean region. It emphasizes the need to balance the shift to renewable energy with the geopolitical realities of fossil fuel dependence, highlighting the importance of collaborative policies and strategic investments to navigate the challenges of the energy transition while maintaining regional stability.