A critical geopolitics approach analysing energy diplomacy aimed at energy demand reduction for greater energy security

This article undertakes a critical geopolitics approach to explore emerging and potential international energy security and diplomacy strategies for reducing energy demand in both energy consuming and producing countries. Currently, the diplomatic collaboration of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), consisting of 13 countries and the European Union, is diversifying supply chains for access to much needed critical minerals (CRM) (e.g. lithium, nickel) for energy transition infrastructure. Contributing to this, the MSP will support minerals-rich host countries to develop recycling and reuse of CRM, helping to reduce the need for raw minerals. However, MSP member-states fail to outline collaborative strategic policy or diplomatic action for broader energy reduction/management goals, either for host countries or importantly, the member-states themselves. This article analyses the relevant MSP’s goals and initiatives, and explores what more member-states could do collaboratively, to reduce their domestic energy demand and thus, their demand for CRM and energy imports – augmenting energy security. Research will address energy demand reduction strategies including circular economy principles but also deeper approaches such as energy sufficiency. The potentials, risks and opportunities for international diplomacy and cooperation for implementing such energy reduction strategies in a cooperative manner, within the MSP and more broadly, are outlined.