Development of Energy Sector in Iran in Light of Energy Trilemma. An Analysis of Legal and Policy Challenges

Identifier:  TDX:3402

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX3402

Authors:  Masjedi, Mohammad Mohsen

Abstract:
Scientific research proves that the warming of the global climate system is unequivocal. The concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions is the leading cause of the current change in the Earth system. The Paris Agreement is the existing legal foundation for global cooperation in mitigating the greenhouse gas emissions. Paris Agreement has a bottom-up approach requiring the states to nationally determine their greenhouse gas emission mitigation policies. Due to the importance of environmental and climate issues, the sustainability of energy systems is expected to be the main concern of energy policies. However, the concerns over the energy system are not limited to environmental sustainability. Energy has a significant impact on economies, daily life of human and welfare of nations. This requires the unceasing flow of energy for the uses of industries, and individuals, as well as transport. These three essential principles of sustainability, security, and affordability and social equity are known as energy trilemma that have been widely considered as the pillars of energy policy-making. Iran as an energy giant is the world’s eighth most top CO2 emitter and is contributing to 2% of the global CO2 emissions. Iran’s energy is over 97% dependent on fossil fuels. In addition to contribution in global greenhouse gas emissions, Iran’s energy system is imposing serious environmental harms in local and regional level. The purpose of this thesis is to critically analyse the existing Iranian energy laws and policies in light of energy trilemma