Recent analysis

Programs

The Global Energy Center develops and promotes pragmatic and nonpartisan policy solutions designed to advance global energy security, enhance economic opportunity, and accelerate pathways to net-zero emissions.

Events

Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

Energy sector diversification: Meeting demographic challenges in the MENA region

By Bina Hussein

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is projected to experience significant demographic growth by 2050, growth which will have to be met with commensurate economic expansion and job opportunities, or the region will risk an increase in political instability. To meet this challenge, countries in the region must diversify their economies beyond the energy sector and expand their energy sector beyond hydrocarbons. What are the key trends that MENA countries will have to contend with, what is already being done, and what further steps should be taken?

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions

Issue Brief

Jan 9, 2020

Transforming the power sector in developing countries: Geopolitics, poverty, and climate change in Bangladesh

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

As the South and Southeast Asian region faces increasing energy demand due to both population and economic growth, countries like Bangladesh must meet that demand while facing and overcoming critical environmental and energy security challenges. How is Bangladesh seeking to diversify its energy mix and establish more local and decarbonized power systems, and what are key opportunities for future government and foreign investment?

Bangladesh Climate Change & Climate Action

Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

Transforming the power sector in developing countries: Geopolitics, poverty, and climate change in Pakistan

By Robert F. Ichord, Jr.

As the South and Southeast Asian region faces increasing energy demand due to both population and economic growth, countries like Pakistan must meet that demand while facing and overcoming critical environmental and energy security challenges. How is Pakistan seeking to diversify its energy mix and establish more local and decarbonized power systems, and what are key opportunities for future government and foreign investment?

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Markets & Governance

Content

In the News

Apr 7, 2020

Amin quoted in the Washington Examiner on boosting low-carbon energy

By Atlantic Council

Coronavirus Energy & Environment

Inflection Points

Apr 5, 2020

Trump lacks options in oil price war; Kissinger warns of “world on fire”

By Frederick Kempe

President Trump doesn’t have good options. He lacks easy leverage over the players, domestic and international, and he’s got even less control over the COVID —19 economic hit. In the end, it is more likely that a U.S. government bailout will save the industry, rather than a global market intervention.

Coronavirus Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Apr 3, 2020

Blakemore quoted in The Telegraph on renewable energy

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Mar 26, 2020

Stimulus bill’s lack of funding for the SPR and clean energy is a lose-lose for the country

By Randolph Bell

Not including $3 billion for purchase of crude for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) or support for clean energy initiatives in the soon-to-be passed $2 trillion stimulus package is a missed opportunity and a lose-lose for US energy security and leadership on climate action.

Coronavirus Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Mar 26, 2020

Dual demand and supply shocks have created historic oil crisis, IEA executive director says

By David A. Wemer

Dramatically lower oil demand due to the coronavirus pandemic and an emerging supply glut caused by the failure of major oil producers to cut production has slammed the global oil market with a crisis “unique in history,” according to Dr. Fatih Birol.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Mar 12, 2020

Oil market meltdown?

By John Soughan

Over the weekend of March 7–8, the breakdown of the previous oil production agreement between Russia and Saudi Arabia led to the broader collapse of the arrangement between OPEC and OPEC+. What will the rift will mean for the global oil market?

Coronavirus Energy Markets & Governance

Event Recap

Mar 11, 2020

Atlantic Council press call: Oil market meltdown: Price wars, coronavirus, and energy geopolitics

Last week’s breakdown of OPEC+ meetings in Vienna has turned a demand side driven decline in oil prices caused by the impacts of Coronavirus into an oil price war between two oil producing giants, with US shale production the ostensible target. If the standoff continues, however, the price war might ultimately do more harm to the Saudi and Russian economies. With increasing uncertainty about the depth of Coronavirus’ impact on global growth, the price war might also contribute to a sharp decline in the global economy. Helima Croft, David L. Goldwyn, Jean-Francois Seznec, Anders Aslund, and Randolph Bell discuss ongoing market volatility, the origins of the crisis, what’s next for US shale, and the implications of it all for energy and geopolitics

Coronavirus Energy & Environment

In the News

Mar 10, 2020

Katz quoted in Marketplace on oil prices and production

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Mar 9, 2020

Saudi Arabia and Russia feud over coronavirus oil response: Will everyone lose?

By David A. Wemer

"While Russia’s decision last week not to support OPEC’s proposal for a production cut and the subsequent oil price war—which as of publishing has pushed Brent crude down more than 9 percent—is surely part of the larger story of the economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak, it is actually better understood as a geopolitical story about how US energy production growth has strengthened the United States’ international posture, which in turn has reshaped a number of global relationships," Randolph Bell says.

Coronavirus Energy Markets & Governance

Report

Mar 6, 2020

A new energy strategy for the Western Hemisphere

By David L. Goldwyn

The Western Hemisphere is full of potential and we have the opportunity to galvanize it into an energy powerhouse. This new US energy strategy for the Western Hemisphere will help raise the global competitiveness of the hemisphere, advance its shared prosperity, and improve national and energy security as a result.

Americas Climate Change & Climate Action

Experts

Events