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

The role of oil and gas companies in the energy transition

By Robert (“RJ”) Johnston, Reed Blakemore, and Randolph Bell

Many oil and gas companies have recognized the need to decarbonize the energy system to avoid the impacts of climate change. Initial industry efforts to play a role in the energy transition show sincerity and promise. Yet the urgent need for more oil and gas production for the foreseeable future suggests that a comprehensive framework for the oil and gas industry to support a low-carbon future while simultaneously ensuring the world has enough energy to meet development and economic growth goals has yet to be fully developed. What role can the oil and gas industry play lead the way to an energy-rich, globally prosperous, low-carbon future?

Energy Transitions Oil and Gas

Issue Brief

Jan 9, 2020

Election 2020: What’s at stake for energy policy?

By David L. Goldwyn, Andrea Clabough

As the US presidential election in November 2020 draws nearer, the energy policy platforms—including domestic energy, climate change, foreign, and trade policies—from the Democratic candidates, as well as the energy policies of a potential second Trump Administration, have become increasingly clear.

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions

Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

European energy diversification: How alternative sources, routes, and clean technologies can bolster energy security and decarbonization

By Richard L. Morningstar, András Simonyi, Olga Khakova, Irina Markina

The European Union’s efforts to achieve a carbon-neutral economy present a unique and timely opportunity to strengthen European energy security. What is the EU currently doing to meet its decarbonization goals, address the role of natural gas in Europe’s low-carbon future, and explain the potential for new gas sources, alternative gas routes, and clean energy technologies to reduce carbon emissions? And how can this be done while simultaneously increasing European energy security and opportunities for transatlantic cooperation?

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions

Content

GeoTech Cues

Jun 11, 2021

Can AgriTech entrepreneurs save the Middle East’s food supply?

By Hezha Barzani and Matthew Goodman

On June 9, the Atlantic Council’s GeoTech Center and empowerME Initiative hosted a private, on-the-record roundtable. Read the key takeaways.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

EnergySource

Jun 10, 2021

Biden-Harris administration hundred-day supply chain review: Key takeaways for minerals security in the energy transition

By Reed Blakemore

The White House has recently released findings from a hundred-day review of supply chains, which included specific recommendations for securing key minerals and metals critical to the energy transition. This report serves as an important first step as the United States begins to address the mineral supply chain challenge, and highlights several important themes policymakers will continue to grapple with as they search for solutions.

Critical Minerals Energy & Environment

Report

Jun 10, 2021

Shifting gears: Geopolitics of the global energy transition

By Robert J. Johnston

A peak in global oil demand would have significant geopolitical and geoeconomic consequences for oil-producing and importing states alike. And while oil resources have afforded leverage to producing nations, many of these countries have not diversified their economies and remain highly dependent on oil revenue for economic and national stability.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

UkraineAlert

Jun 3, 2021

Ukraine’s energy future is tied to European integration

By Olga Bielkova

Energy transformation is possible in Ukraine. In order to make this vision a reality, Ukrainians must first define it and commit to consistent implementation, election cycles notwithstanding.

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions

UkraineAlert

May 27, 2021

Decarbonization in Ukraine

By Nataliya Katser-Buchkovska

More and more countries are pledging to become carbon neutral. This is creating opportunities for Ukraine to diversify its energy sources while becoming increasingly integrated with the country’s European neighbors.

Energy Transitions Geopolitics & Energy Security

Event Recap

May 17, 2021

African contributions to the climate finance conversation

By Africa Center

On Monday, May 17, the Africa Center hosted an event on how to foster inclusive, green growth for African countries, featuring an esteemed panel of industry leaders and experts. The event also served as the launch of Ms. Emilie Bel’s new Africa Center report, Growing Green: Catalyzing Climate Finance in African Markets.

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action
Hellisheidi Power Plant

EnergySource

May 14, 2021

Gigaton carbon removal and the Paris Climate Agreement

By Laetitia Garriott de Cayeux and Doug Hollett

As the United States looks to meet its ambitious climate goals, increased development and deployment of carbon removal technology is crucial. However, in order to scale the technology to the level necessary, the entire value chain must be activated and incentivized.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

EnergySource

May 5, 2021

Electric vehicles and the metamorphosis of an industry

By Paddy Ryan

Though federal electric vehicle (EV) strategy remains embryonic, private sector developments have fostered a growing US EV market. As sectoral interests within the United States vie for this business, turnover is inevitable, for firms and regional manufacturing centers alike. Add a changing lineup of carmakers to the list of disruptions wrought on dealerships, gas stations, and the US autoworker; the American auto industry stands at the precipice of a revolution the likes of which it has rarely seen.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

In-Depth Research & Reports

May 3, 2021

Brief 2: Producing clean hydrogen at scale in the United States

By David Yellen, Randolph Bell

This second brief in the Atlantic Council’s hydrogen policy sprint explores pathways for and the challenges and opportunities facing scaled clean hydrogen production in the United States.

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions

New Atlanticist

Apr 30, 2021

Raising ambitions: How Latin America and the Caribbean is tackling the climate crisis

By Valentina Sader

The Americas are a crucial player in coordinated efforts to tackle global climate change, so we asked experts from the Atlantic Council and elsewhere to lay out what’s next.

Brazil Caribbean

Experts

Events