A global energy interconnection? – exploring China’s strategic ambitions and security implications for Norway

This report investigates China’s Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) initiative, a proposed global power grid designed to accelerate the green energy transition through ultra-high-voltage transmission lines and smart technologies. While the GEI promises significant sustainable benefits − such as enhanced energy reliability and reduced emissions − it also raises security concerns.
The potential benefits of GEI include increased technical and operational reliability, strengthened cross-border cooperation and greater societal stability and welfare. Perhaps most significantly, it offers a means to accelerate the green transition whilst meeting globally rising energy demands.
The GEI may also raise security concerns for small states like Norway. Through the lens of strategic competition, and drawing on theorisations of structural realism, liberal institutionalism, power distribution and weaponised interdependence, Chinese renewable initiatives may accommodate Beijing’s strategic interests, thus challenging world order and liberal institutions. Whilst disregarding Beijing’s potential intentions, this report utilises Norway as a case study to explore how small states may be challenged by intensifying great power competition and rivalry.
Our report highlights how cross-border energy infrastructure and dependencies may develop strategic vulnerabilities, thus increasing the risk of adverse incidents or opening avenues of exploitation. We attribute these vulnerabilities to the following aspects:
• Dependency on Chinese technology may make Norway more susceptible to indirect and non-coercive influence from China.
• The increasing complexity of the energy system may challenge system safety.
• Dependencies may be weaponized, possibly being used to coerce or for surveillance and espionage.