LNG: The Rising Actor In Global Energy Geopolitics


Energy geopolitics in the world is constantly changing. Within the scope of current conditions, according to the data of BP, 86% of global primary energy demand is met with fossil resources. Even though the share of renewable energy sources in energy production is on the rise, the dominant position of hydrocarbon resources within global energy consumption is estimated to remain prevalent. In this respect, fossil resources determine the course of both national and global energy policies. Based on this, all geographical positions of oil and natural gas supply, source and transport are of strategic importance as far as global energy geopolitics are concerned. Concerning the stable and strong position of hydrocarbon resources, the share of fossil resources in meeting total energy demands is estimated to be 75% in the best case even in 2050, despite various schemes involving the reduction of fossil fuel use against climate change. In this context, with the constant increase in global energy demand, oil and natural gas resources in a limited number of places profoundly influence global geopolitics since changes in the reserves, as well as supply and demand of energy sources, affect geopolitical balances. In addition, the course of the global economy and developments in energy technologies also have a determining impact on geopolitical balances. The demand for natural gas increases each year. Being a more environmentally friendly fossil resource when compared with coal and oil, natural gas has an increasingly important role in both national and global energy policies in the fight against climate change every year. Another development leading to this is the increase in the variety of sectors in which natural gas is used. LNG obviates the need for pipelines, making access to natural gas much easier while becoming a supportive and seminal resource as far as energy supply security of countries is concerned. Starting in the 1960s, LNG trade shows a significant increase in the 1990s, making LNG a strategic resource at the national and global level in the present day.


Keywords


Geography, Energy Geographies, Energy Security, Natural Gas, LNG

Author : Muhammed ORAL
Number of pages: 379-393
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.29228/TurkishStudies.41643
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Turkish Studies-Economics,Finance,Politics
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