Title Energy transition in Caucasus region: political and social issues in the context of EU partnership /
Translation of Title Kaukazo regiono energijos perėjimas: politiniai ir socialiniai klausimai ES partnerystės kontekste.
Authors Azimzade, Aysu
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Pages 77
Keywords [eng] energy transition ; European Union ; Caucasus region ; political strategies ; renewable energy policies
Abstract [eng] The thesis provides a comprehensive exploration of the political, and socio-economic dimensions of energy transition, emphasizing its global and regional implications. The study structured into three main sections: political dimensions and strategic principles of energy transition, political agreements and legal frameworks in energy transition and a comparative analysis of social and political issues related to energy transition. The relevance of the topic is the high demand for renewable energy sources to address climate change and cut greenhouse gas emissions globally. The novelty of this study lies in its comparative approach and emphasis on lesser-studied contexts like the Caucasus, which remain underrepresented in energy transition literature. It focuses on political and socio-economic aspects of energy transition in the Caucasus regions, in the context of the European Union partnership, to analyze the political, social, and legal dimensions of the energy transition and to explore how governance models, international agreements, and regional cooperation in Caucasus Region. The thesis seeks an answer to the research question: How do political, legal, and socio-economic factors along with EU partnership, influence the effectiveness of energy transition strategies in Caucasus and their integration with global goals? In order to get answer, the tasks of the thesis are examining governance models and political strategies that facilitate the energy transition, evaluating the role of international agreements and partnerships in driving energy reforms, analyzing the socio-economic factors influencing energy policy development and implementation, comparing political and social challenges across different dimensions to derive practical insights and recommendations for the energy transition in the Caucasus Countries and analyzing the role of regional cooperation and partnerships with EU in fostering sustainable energy goals in the Caucasus Region. The thesis begins by examining governance models, identifying the structures and frameworks necessary for effective energy transitions. These governance models serve as a foundation for managing the shift from traditional energy systems to sustainable alternatives. The text delves into the political drivers that facilitate energy transition, such as governmental policies, international initiatives, and public support. So, this thesis presents the barriers, including political instability, economic challenges, and obstacle in regulation structures, that prevent progress in this domain. The thesis further explores the socio-economic factors that shape energy transition, illustrating how economic growth, employment opportunities, and societal acceptance play a pivotal role. For achieving energy transition goals, regional cooperation and partnerships are emphasized as critical with a focus on cross-border collaboration and shared responsibilities. The chapter concludes by synthesizing insights into the political and strategic principles essential for driving energy transition efforts. The second section focuses on political agreements and legal frameworks that underpin energy transition. It discusses the influence of international agreements on global energy policies, emphasizing their role in shaping commitments and actions toward sustainable energy. The European Green Deal is presented as a key driver of energy transition within the European Union, showcasing its policies, targets, and impact. The Energy Community Treaty is explored as a mechanism for fostering European integration through shared energy policies. Additionally, the text addresses the specific legal frameworks governing energy transition in the Caucasus region, offering insights into how localized policies contribute to broader global goals. This section concludes with a summary of the key findings. The final section provides a comparative analysis of social and political issues related to energy transition. It outlines the methodology and research design employed for the analysis, offering transparency and rigor to the study. The results present a nuanced understanding of the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by different regions and societies during energy transition. The considered comparative approach the document identifies patterns, variations, and lessons that can inform future energy policies and strategies. In essence, the thesis presents political, legal, and socio-economic factors that are a multi-faceted process. It emphasizes the importance of international collaboration, innovative governance, and inclusive policies to achieve transition toward a sustainable energy future within its complexities.
Dissertation Institution Kauno technologijos universitetas.
Type Master thesis
Language English
Publication date 2025