An Integrated Approach Towards a Secure Energy System

Abstract

This study presents policy tools for promoting security of energy supply by integrating quantitative and objective measurements with a more qualitative approach which acknowledges the subjective aspects of policy making. By using text analysis and conducting a literature review, the complex concept of security of energy supply is investigated with some emphasis on recent energy policies within the European Union. Part I deals with the quantitative and objective approach that attempts to measure aspects of security of energy supply to identify threats and vulnerabilities as well as set benchmarks and create inventories. Part II deals with international relations theory and elaborates on two worldviews, Regions and Empires and Market and Institutions, which influence the perception of threats and the role of actors. Part III integrates the objective and subjective approaches and identifies how the worldview can influence the design or interpretation of quantitative metrics. The EU is also used as a practical example of how uncoordinated attempts by policy makers can result in clashing policy objectives.