China and Lithium Geopolitics in a Changing Global Market

The energy market is shifting from fossil fuels to renewables. This transition is creating new geopolitical dynamics. In the past, traditional energy geopolitics focused on the concentrated distribution of fossil fuel resources and the conflicts and dependencies that this created. In contrast, the 'new' renewable energy geopolitics emphasises the dispersed distribution or decentralisation of production capacity and the independence of states this generates. However, the market for lithium, which is essential to renewable energy storage through being a key component of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, does not entirely fit theoretical conceptions of the renewable energy market's dynamics. By focusing on China as a critical case, this article shows that lithium geopolitics has potentially created new (inter)dependencies and opportunities for conflicts, while also paradoxically enhancing state interindependence in renewable technology energy production. Thus, this hybrid form of energy geopolitics necessitates revising conventional energy security explanations to match these new market conditions.

Automated summary

The energy market is transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables, creating new geopolitical dynamics. While traditional renewable energy geopolitics emphasizes decentralized production and independence, the market for lithium, a crucial component for renewable energy storage, does not fit this narrative. By focusing on China as a case study, this article reveals that lithium geopolitics has created new dependencies and conflicts while paradoxically enhancing state interdependence in renewable technology energy production.