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

Global Energy Forum

Jan 20, 2021

Transcript: A global view of Joe Biden’s inauguration

By Atlantic Council

Many in the global community sat and watched the US presidential inauguration. Here's what these experts think of the important moment and what it means for the rest of the world.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Global Energy Forum

Jan 20, 2021

Transcript: Fatih Birol on what’s next for the energy system post-pandemic

By Atlantic Council

Fatih Birol tells the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Forum about how the energy sector will fare post-pandemic and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

New Atlanticist

Jan 20, 2021

What China’s march to net-zero emissions means for the world

By Larry Luxner

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a pledge to reach peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. Can China live up to the promises?

China Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Jan 19, 2021

The world is about to embark on a big energy transition. Here’s what it could look like.

By Katherine Golden

“Real friends say the bitter truth,” said Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency, at the Atlantic Council's Global Energy Forum. And “the bitter truth is that real energy transitions are coming, and they are coming fast.”

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Jan 19, 2021

Top UAE officials assess renewables, peak oil, and the post-COVID energy market

By Larry Luxner

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE’s minister of industry and advanced technology, joined Suhail Al Mazrouei, the UAE minister of energy and infrastructure, and Musabbeh Al Kaabi, the CEO of UAE investments at the Mubadala Investment Company.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Global Energy Forum

Jan 19, 2021

Transcript: Global Energy Forum conversations with Sultan Al Jaber, Suhail Al Mazrouei, and Musabbeh Al Kaabi

By Atlantic Council

The 2021 Global Energy Forum kicked off with conversations with top thought leaders on the future of energy.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

UkraineAlert

Jan 7, 2021

How to improve EU-Ukraine energy cooperation in 2021

By Olga Bielkova

Ukraine's GTSOU gas transportation system operator is hoping to expand cooperation with European partners in 2021 as part of efforts to diversify beyond the prior focus on Russian gas transit to EU markets.

Eastern Europe Energy Transitions

In the News

Dec 13, 2020

Bell and Yellen quoted in ABC News on green hydrogen

Energy Transitions Renewables & Advanced Energy

EnergySource

Nov 22, 2020

In states with key clean energy wins, utilities have a strong hand in driving or stalling progress

By Emily Burlinghaus

The 2020 US elections delivered some notable state and city-level wins for clean energy across the United States, notably in Nevada, Colorado, and Ohio. However, even in states that delivered victories for clean energy, utilities will still play a key role in driving—or stalling—the clean energy transition. The complex history of clean energy policy in each of these states points to the divergent paths both cities and states can take to decarbonize and the importance of striking a delicate balance between government, utilities, and public interests.

Climate Change & Climate Action Elections

EnergySource

Nov 13, 2020

Trade is the key to US energy security, which trumps US energy independence

By Emily Burlinghaus, Jennifer T. Gordon

The incoming Biden Administration offers an opportunity for the United States to shift from its pursuit of energy independence and the fiction of a US energy market insulated from the vagaries of global market shocks and geopolitics. Instead, the new administration should strengthen US relationships with partners and allies to ensure import security for energy products and materials and guarantee export markets for US energy.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Experts

Events