Energy Diplomacy in the Age of Renewables: Shifts in Global Energy Alliances

The article analyzes the significant shift in the global energy landscape driven by the transition from the dominance of fossil fuels to the increasing role of renewable energy sources. The introduction outlines this transition as a profound geopolitical reconfiguration that fundamentally changes the goals, actors, and mechanisms of energy diplomacy, opening a «new geopolitical order». The aim of the article is to analyze how the global transition to renewable energy sources transforms energy diplomacy, particularly by identifying and explaining key changes in global energy alliances. The study is based on geopolitical theory and international political economy, adapting them to consider the distributed nature of renewable energy and new dependencies in supply chains. A comparative analytical approach is applied to contrast traditional and new energy diplomacy, as well as a case study method to illustrate specific instances of alliance changes. Examples include the EU’s strategy on critical raw materials, China’s dominance in renewable energy production, the U.S. domestic green industrial policy (Inflation Reduction Act), and russia’s adaptive strategies. The research is based on qualitative analysis of peer-reviewed academic journals, reports from international organizations (IEA, IRENA), government policy documents, and analyses from reputable think tanks. The results indicate a fundamental transformation in the definition of energy security – from ensuring a stable flow of fossil fuels to guaranteeing the resilience of renewable energy infrastructure, the security of supply chains for critical minerals, and the cybersecurity of digitized energy networks. While renewable energy sources offer potential for decentralized production, they simultaneously introduce new, concentrated dependencies on critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements) and production capabilities (China’s dominance). This creates a new form of geopolitical influence and fuels the «green technology race». Traditional producer – consumer relations are being reconfigured, forcing fossil fuel exporters to diversify markets (for example, russia’s reorientation towards Asia), while consumers are seeking new partnerships for renewable energy components. New alliances are emerging based on technologies, green finance, and the supply of critical minerals, including partnerships in green hydrogen and climate coalitions. The energy transition is characterized by a complex duality of cooperation and competition, where shared climate goals coexist with increasing rivalry for resources and technological dominance, and the imperative of a «just transition» becomes a crucial diplomatic task. The conclusions emphasize that the energy transition is a profound geopolitical reshaping that requires a holistic approach to energy security. Proactive supply diversification and international cooperation on critical raw materials are recommended, as well as prioritizing a «just transition» to ensure global equity in access to energy. The article makes a significant contribution to the theory of international relations by demonstrating how material changes lead to a reconfiguration of power dynamics and alliance structures. Future research prospects include studying the mechanisms of resilient supply chains for critical minerals, the growing role of non-State actors, and the long-term consequences of «green mercantilism».