Energy Transitions

The global energy mix is experiencing profound change, with equally profound geopolitical and market challenges and opportunities on the horizon. Policy makers and business leaders will need to develop strategies to navigate the changing global energy landscape, addressing both the challenges and opportunities the energy transition is providing.

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

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

Content

Issue Brief

Mar 21, 2025

To win the AI race, the US needs an all-of-the-above energy strategy

By Joseph Webster

To ensure US AI leadership, the United States must harness all forms of energy, allow a level playing field, and remove red tape constraining the buildout of critical enablers, especially transmission lines and grid enhancing technologies.

Artificial Intelligence China

AfricaSource

Mar 20, 2025

If the international community wants to curb fossil fuel emissions, it must make Africa a serious clean energy offer

By Neil Ford

Before the international community asks African countries to leave undeveloped fossil fuel resources in the ground, it must make them an offer of clean energy financing—one substantial enough to fund Africa’s current and future appetite for electricity.

Africa Critical Minerals

EnergySource

Mar 11, 2025

The Mediterranean must work collectively to harness the power of renewables

By Karim Elgendy

The EU Commission’s recent release of its Clean Industrial Deal underscored regional commitment to decarbonization. To capitalize on this momentum, the Mediterranean must engage in cross-border collaboration to overcome geopolitical tension and limited finance to achieve its renewables goals.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Mar 6, 2025

How shifting political leadership, war, and generative AI are shaping the energy outlook: Insights from the 2025 Global Energy Agenda

By Landon Derentz, Christine Suh, Bailee Mathews

Political shifts, heightened conflict, and the growth of generative AI are transforming the energy system. Leadership perspectives and survey results from the Atlantic Council's 2025 Global Energy Agenda provide a valuable roadmap for adapting to the evolving energy landscape.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Feb 28, 2025

How Merz can leverage Germany’s green transition for growth and security

By Carol Schaeffer

Cutting back on green policies would be an economic and strategic mistake. The incoming German government can either seize the momentum or let others lead the way.

Economy & Business Elections

Report

Feb 24, 2025

Atoms for Appalachia: The role of nuclear energy in economic development

By Lauren Hughes

Advanced nuclear technologies can drive economic security and energy security within Appalachian states.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Global Energy Agenda

Feb 20, 2025

Ushering the US auto industry into a new energy era

By Jim Farley

The auto industry is front and center at the intersection of energy, manufacturing, and innovation. For US automakers to continue leading the sector globally, they must work with policymakers to put the choices and needs of the customer first.

Americas Energy & Environment

Global Energy Agenda

Feb 20, 2025

The US must assure its energy-secure future

By Meredith Berger

At the US Department of the Navy, energy security is mission assurance. This reality has led to its national security strategy to prioritize a diversified, resilient, and independent energy system to prepare for known and unknown threats.

Americas Energy & Environment

Global Energy Agenda

Feb 20, 2025

The importance of US LNG for economic growth and the global energy transition 

By Daniel Yergin and Madeline Jowdy

The emergence of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a remarkable story. In less than a decade, the United States has gone from zero exports to being the world’s largest exporter.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

Global Energy Agenda

Feb 20, 2025

Southeast Asia aims for sustainability through connectivity

By Kok Keong Puah

As Southeast Asia's energy demand rises, the region's energy transition stands at an inflection point. Looking ahead, this growth presents the region with an enormous challenge, but also the opportunity to be a leader in the global energy transition.

East Asia Energy & Environment

Experts

Events