Renewable Energy Cooperation in the BRICS: A Realistic Option?

Renewable Energy Cooperation in the BRICS: A Realistic Option?
Author: Elif Güney
Degree: Master’s in Energy and Sustainable Development
Date: 2020
Institution: Kadir Has University, Istanbul, Turkey
Advisor: Prof. Dr. Volkan §. Ediger

This master’s thesis examines the feasibility of renewable energy cooperation among the BRICS countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—considering their diverse economic, political, and energy profiles. The research is motivated by the global transition from coal to oil, natural gas, and renewable energy, driven by efficiency improvements, resource scarcity, and climate change challenges. A central question of the study is whether countries with heterogeneous energy strategies can collaborate effectively on renewable energy development.

The thesis applies two theoretical frameworks—path dependence and leapfrogging—to assess the BRICS countries’ energy transition trajectories. Path dependence highlights how historical energy choices constrain current options, while leapfrogging considers the potential for countries to bypass traditional energy stages and adopt advanced renewable technologies directly. The study evaluates country-level variations, reviews past cooperative efforts, and analyzes the prospects for future renewable energy collaboration among BRICS members.

Findings indicate that while BRICS countries can cooperate on renewable energy initiatives, the outcomes and experiences of each country are likely to differ due to structural and strategic variations. Successful cooperation requires alignment in energy policies, the promotion of renewable energy development, and economic diversification away from fossil fuel dependency. The thesis concludes that targeted policy interventions and a structured framework for collaboration are essential for the BRICS to realize meaningful renewable energy cooperation.