The Concept and Dimensions of Energy Security in the Natural Resources-rich Areas (Kurdistan Region Model)

The study aims to examine the concept of energy security and the analysis of its dimensions. It became clear that the concept of energy security is context- dependent. It depends fundamentally on the perspective of the importing and exporting countries. For the importing countries, the concept of energy security focuses on the availability and diversification of energy supplies at reasonable prices and without any interruption. But for the exporting countries, it focuses on ensuring the demand for energy at competitive prices to ensure stable income at the normal level and to protect the state from any shocks in the energy market. The Kurdistan Region began its understanding of energy security within the perspective of exporting countries. So its priority is to place itself on the global energy map and increase its oil exports. It attempts to achieve energy security through four dimensions - availability, affordability, accessibility and acceptability. While it has succeeded in achieving availability and accessibility (gaining access to foreign markets), it has not succeeded in achieving acceptability and affordability i.e. strengthening energy infrastructure. The conclusion of this study is that energy security in the Kurdistan region is vulnerable because of weak strategic infrastructure planning in the face of threats from regional and international actors.