Green Colonialism or Transnational Partnership? – On Conflicts and Solidarity in the Global Energy Transition

Europe depends for its transformation to a fossil-free economy on resources and land in the Global South. Instead of oil, industrialized countries now need wind, sunshine, water, and rare metals and earths for green electricity, green hydrogen, green battery technology, and not least for digitalization. These supply chains determine the future of industry and business locations and jobs, also in Germany.

Are we seeing a replay of colonial patterns and imperial structures of exploitation? Is digital colonialism the flip side of green digitalization? Or is the balance of power about to shift, as new jobs are created and investments are made into local ancillary industries?