The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is endowed with vast reserves of cobalt, a metal playing a very substantial role in the global energy transition. As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, particularly through the electrification of transport, the demand for key minerals like cobalt and lithium is rising. This presents a unique opportunity for the DRC to elevate its position within the global battery value chain (GBVC). However, despite its rich mineral resources, the DRC’s current role remains limited primarily to raw material exports, leaving significant space for growth in high value-added activities.

This thesis explores the research question: “Can the DRC leverage its abundant cobalt resources to upgrade in the battery value chain?”. The study aims to bridge the knowledge gap by assessing the potential of the country to upgrade within the chain. This is done by identifying challenges that the DRC faces and exploring opportunities for upgrading within the value chain.

The research is structured around several sub-research questions that examine the global landscape and governance of the battery value chain, the DRC's current integration, and both the challenges and opportunities for future upgrading. The primary analytical tool employed is the Global Value Chain (GVC) framework, which provides a structured methodology to assess the complex network between the companies and the economic activities that are executed throughout the world. By applying this framework, the study identifies where value is created within the battery value chain and how the DRC can move towards higher-value activities.

In summary, the opportunity identified for the DRC is in the upstream sector of the battery value chain and more particularly in the refining stage. Nevertheless, the outcome is not encouraging for the DRC due to substantial barriers that the country must overcome. The country faces deficits in infrastructure, especially in energy and transportation systems, which rise operational expenditures. This in conjunction with the political instability has a negative implication on the attractiveness of the DRC as an investment environment, so country ‘s progress is hindered. Furthermore, the limited control that local institutions have over cobalt mines does not give the chance to the DRC to take strategic decisions that are beneficial for the development of country ‘s capabilities. In addition, transparency and human rights problems within the mining sector make investors more reluctant due to the need in the market for compliance with international ESG standards.

Substantial improvements in the DRC ‘s investment environment are necessary to strengthen country ‘s position in the global battery industry, so some recommendations for both government policies and corporate strategies are made. Local institutions should build more strategic collaborations with companies in other countries of African Union that have the capacity to support refining activities. At the same time, they must increase their awareness for international standards and start applying them in order to become more trusted partners globally. Policy recommendations from the government are also essential , including financial incentives for foreign investors and improvements in the judicial system. In this way, the DRC can create a more competitive environment in the refining segment of battery value chain and may have more chances for upgrading.

The urgent need to address global warming and achieve the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement necessitates an energy transition in Europe, with offshore wind energy in the North Sea playing a vital role. Despite the complexity of the North Sea's offshore energy system, the existing literature lacks a comprehensive study of the entire system, especially the crucial transmission aspects connecting onshore and offshore systems. This master thesis addresses this research gap by applying an Extended Multi-Level Perspective (E-MLP) framework to the North Sea offshore energy system.

The study begins with an analysis of actors involved in the energy transition, utilizing methods like social network analysis (SNA), PESTLE analysis, and scenario analysis. The focus is on the Dutch and German electricity transmission system operator, specifically its department Grid Field Operations - Offshore (GFO-O), to understand how E-MLP can enhance comprehension of the complex and dynamic nature of the North Sea offshore energy system.

Through a mixed method approach, combining MLP, actor analysis, SNA, PESTLE analysis, and Socio-Technical Scenarios, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and applied to gain a holistic understanding of the system. The research reveals that the North Sea offshore energy system is heavily influenced by onshore developments, supply chain considerations, grid congestion, and demand flexibility. The use of artificial intelligence enables niche innovations, while the role of small nuclear reactors is limited. Offshore focuses on energy hubs, standardization, and wind park expansion, but moving further offshore increases vulnerability. The future role of hydrogen remains uncertain, and cybersecurity and multi-use of space are crucial factors.

The study offers recommendations for GFO-O to strengthen its position, attract digital talent, invest in AI capabilities, explore demand flexibility, and investigate green hydrogen production. Policymakers should prioritize multi-use of space and engage with the military to address security threats. Incentivizing demand flexibility at the consumer level can support renewable energy production and ease the offshore system's burden.

This research contributes to the field by applying the E-MLP framework to the North Sea offshore energy system, examining actor interactions, informal institutions, and providing valuable insights for scenario analysis. However, the study acknowledges potential limitations in data availability, interview perspectives, and social network analysis. Future research can delve into specific factors such as the offshore supply chain, explore heterogeneous analysis of the oil and gas sector, and apply E-MLP to other energy transition regimes, extending the study's impact and refining the framework's application.

In conclusion, this master thesis enhances the understanding of the North Sea offshore energy system and provides policy-relevant insights for inclusive policymaking, supporting Europe's energy transition efforts to combat global warming.

This research is designed to provide a structured and comprehensive examination of the complex relationship between climate readiness, climate aid, and carbon efficiency in African countries. At its heart, the primary goal is to construct a climate readiness framework initially designed to assess developing nations and subsequently refine it to align with the distinct contexts of African nations. This framework undergoes a two-fold process, starting with its conceptualization and followed by its adaptation through a combination of theoretical examination and real-world application. It forms the foundation of this research, supplying essential insights relevant to policymakers and institutions engaged in tackling climate-related issues specific to Africa.

In the second phase of the study, a linear regression model is employed to analyze the connections between carbon efficiency, climate readiness, and climate aid. Carbon efficiency is determined using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), while the climate readiness variable is derived from the developed framework. The empirical findings underscore the critical role of targeted climate aid, particularly in countries with higher climate preparedness. This synergy contributes significantly to decoupling carbon emissions from economic growth, emphasizing the importance of strategic climate aid in fostering sustainable and environmentally responsible economic development.

Overall, this research aims to shed light on the complex interplay of factors shaping climate outcomes in African countries, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and policy development in the realm of climate change mitigation and adaptation.