When discussing clean power and the ramifications it will have on the world, the topics typically discussed (and rightfully so) are on the effects a shift away from fossil fuels and towards carbon-free sources on:

The climate

The environment

Affordability of electricity

Energy resilience

Energy independence

Energy choice

Public health

The idea is that a shift towards clean energy can enhance regions that embrace those technologies, as well as the world as a whole, will bring fruits in each of those categories. These sources of optimism and postive outlooks for the future are so important to the implementation of clean energy and drive the transition. But one topic that bubbles somewhat below the surface is the geopolitical ramifications of this shift.

The reason this topic is one to keep an eye on is because the clean energy transition is inherently a shift away from fossil fuels like oil, coal, and gas. These resources, though, are a significant source of economic and global power for the nations that control them. We hear a lot about OPEC's collective action in keeping the price of oil at an optimal level for them, action that has been increasing in recent years. The advent of clean tech that renders their fossil fuels in less of a demand is a consistently persistent threat, and one that should not go unnoticed.

As such, it was with great interest I read about the recent report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Some key takeaways, as detailed in this article, include:

The shift "will alter the global distribution of power, relations between states, the risk of conflict, and the social, economic and environmental drivers of geopolitical instability."

The shift will likely cause China to eclipse the United States, place oil-dependent Gulf states at risk and help impoverished African nations achieve energy independence

The IRENA commission also warned that countries are heavily dependent on fossil fuel exports would need to adapt to avoid "serious economic consequences"

But it said, renewables will be a powerful vehicle of democratisation because they make it possible to decentralise the energy supply.

What do you think-- are we talking about the worldwide geopolitical implications and potential power shift that would accompany a clean power transition enough? Are there discussions that need to take place now, perhaps agreements on a global stage, to ensure the transition doesn't cause instability in those dependent on the power (electrical and political) from fossil fuels?