A policy-oriented approach to energy security

Modern energy systems are increasingly complex and face ever-changing demands. As energy markets become increasingly global and interdependent, the issues affecting energy systems have also increased in number and complexity. Geopolitical events, natural disasters, severe weather, public acceptance of energy activities, increasingly automated and integrated energy systems, and the impact of climate change are just some of the factors impacting on energy systems. Consequently, the assessment of risks, threats and vulnerabilities in energy systems has become more urgent and more challenging. Studies of energy security have been criticized on various grounds, including that they employ a narrow conception of energy security and rarely use a systematic approach. Various conceptual models have been proposed to evaluate energy security but are usually limited to the effect of supply disruptions. There are few examples of models that clearly define the broad range of risks faced by contemporary, complex energy systems. This paper seeks to address these issues by taking a broader, policy-oriented approach to the factors affecting modern energy systems. We employ a complex systems perspective in conceptualizing the energy system and a more comprehensive approach to identifying risks, threats and vulnerabilities for energy security assessment purposes. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.