Navigating the Transition in Times of Uncertainty: From a paradigm of energy security to electricity security in North Africa

The current decade is critical for global decarbonization. The ongoing energy transition will bring about changes in technology, commodities, infrastructure, supply chains, as well as geopolitical factors, which could give rise to new energy security challenges. It is therefore important to undertake a thorough re-evaluation of energy security dynamics, with a view to enhancing the resilience of power systems. In this paper, we examine North Africa’s energy transition trajectory through the lens of the international energy crisis in order to address the energy trilemma and propose a reflection on the paradigm of energy security, which continues to evolve against the backdrop of a changing global governance landscape. The paper also proposes recommendations on how to align energy security with the energy transition and build a regional common ground to achieve a secure, affordable and sustainable energy future for all. This paper has been prepared as a collaborative effort between RES4Africa Foundation and the Policy Center for the New South.