Energy Markets & Governance

Energy markets are in flux as new energy production and delivery methods alter global supply chains, while economic growth and new desires for energy efficiency change demand in different parts of the world. Policy makers will need to be able to interpret these shifts in the energy market and build new frameworks to manage energy uncertainty.

Recent analysis

Oil price war ends, but coronavirus demand crisis remains

MENASource Mar 1, 2026

The risk of unknown unknowns for global markets amid war in Iran

By Khalid Azim

Market reaction will likely begin with Asia’s opening sessions on Monday morning. One early indicator will be the behavior of the US dollar.
Energy Markets & Governance Iran
Oil price war ends, but coronavirus demand crisis remains

EnergySource Feb 12, 2026

How Europe can shape—not fear—the US ‘hydrocarbon-state’

By Michał Kurtyka and Mateusz Kędzierski

The emergence of the United States as a hydrocarbon-state that combines resource abundance with geopolitical power represents an opportunity for Europe.
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
Oil price war ends, but coronavirus demand crisis remains

Dispatches Dec 22, 2025

Don’t solve the power reliability crisis by creating an affordability crisis

By Frank Willey

While energy reliability is critical, transmission planners and government entities must also prioritize cost-effectiveness.
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

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.

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Events

Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

International grid integration: Efficiencies, vulnerabilities, and strategic implications in Asia

By Phillip Cornell

In order to meet growing global demand for electricity, and in response to an increase in renewables, power networks and markets are evolving and becoming increasingly interconnected. South and Southeast Asia have already had some success with interconnections, and China’s vision and Belt and Road Initiative loom large in the region, but there are geopolitical concerns to contend with. Could a US model manage these concerns? What is the state of regional power markets in Asia and investment in regional grid infrastructure, and what responses are we already seeing to emerging trends?

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Markets & Governance

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
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Content

New Atlanticist

Apr 14, 2020

Oil price war ends, but coronavirus demand crisis remains

By Reed Blakemore

The result of the OPEC+ marathon negotiations should help restore some positive market sentiment and possibly firm up something of a price floor over the short term. However, the impact of a month-long price war, amidst deteriorating oil demand, risks eventually drawing the deal into sharp relief over the next few weeks.

Coronavirus Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Apr 9, 2020

The compelling incentives for Saudi-Russian rapprochement

By Alan Riley

The impact of this price war combined with the demand destruction triggered by the impact of the coronavirus are likely to force both Russian and Saudi Arabia back to the negotiating table to agree a deal which will—at least in substance—restore OPEC plus, sooner rather than later.

Coronavirus Energy Markets & Governance

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
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Experts

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Istvan-Lorant Antal

Senator, Senate of Romania

Millennium Leadership Program

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Fellow

Rabah Arezki

Distinguished Fellow

Freedom and Prosperity Center

Africa Economy & Business

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Olivia Azadegan

Senior Energy Manager, Global Methane Hub

Millennium Leadership Program

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Fellow

Emilie Bel

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Economy & Business

Fellow

Neil Robert Brown

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy Markets & Governance Energy & Environment

Fellow

Caroline Cecot

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business Energy Markets & Governance
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Events

Flagship Event Tue, June 9, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

2026 Global Energy Forum

The tenth Global Energy Forum will chart the course for continued innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the global energy transition. 
Africa Americas Climate Change & Climate Action Critical Minerals