Australia should reconsider what it means by energy diplomacy at a time of transformation in energy markets, renewables and climate change.

Australia’s energy policy has been historically reliant upon securing fossil fuels and export markets. However, Australia can use the G20 in a number of ways: to strengthen existing multilateral institutions like the International Energy Agency; to improve coordination between bodies such as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA); and to coordinate national energy policies, as has occurred with finance.

Australia has an interest in the G20 succeeding and in emerging countries becoming responsible stakeholders in the international system. competing interests can be managed. Australia can play a constructive role within the G20 to reduce economic conflict, including between China and the US.