The Uneven Politics of Decarbonization in the Middle East and North Africa

Benjamin Schuetze examines how the transition to renewable energy affects existing power structures in the region. Although renewables could theoretically promote fairness and reduce conflicts, in reality, authoritarian elites and multinational corporations exploit these energy sources to consolidate power. Projects like the Morocco-UK Power Project and the Great Sea Interconnector highlight neocolonial dependencies and economic inequalities. Additionally, local populations are often excluded from the benefits of renewable energy while international companies reap the rewards.