Energy Transitions

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

Make Europe more energy secure by reforming EU regulations  

Issue Brief Feb 26, 2026

Standardizing carbon accounting worldwide with a single, robust, cost-effective system

By Vincent Aussilloux, Yann Coatanlem, and Karthik Ramanna

Carbon accounting has the potential to accelerate decarbonization, improve energy resilience, and strengthen economic security. But first, countries must decide on a robust, standardized system.
Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
Make Europe more energy secure by reforming EU regulations  

Issue Brief Oct 3, 2025

Enhancing NATO’s operational readiness through energy interoperability

By Jason Knapp, Christopher Olson, Chamai Shahim

NATO forces are facing significant energy-related constraints that put interoperability at risk. The recent Hague Declaration committing 1.5 percent of GDP for infrastructure offers a way to address this.
Energy & Environment Energy Transitions
Make Europe more energy secure by reforming EU regulations  

EnergySource Sep 19, 2025

Is grid resilience possible in the hyperscale era?

By Andy Bochman

The US grid is deteriorating, and the risk for outages is high. The way toward resilience borrows from lessons learned the hard way.
Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

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

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

Issue Brief

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
Manufacturing facility

Issue Brief

Jan 9, 2020

The Saudi Aramco-SABIC merger: How acquiring SABIC fits into Aramco’s long-term diversification strategy

By Private: Jean-François Seznec

Throughout 2019, financial markets have watched the planned Saudi Aramco initial public offering (IPO), which was finally launched in December. A quieter, but no less significant, story was the Saudi oil company’s acquisition of SABIC. Saudi Aramco strove to have a successful IPO, especially through increased transparency and diversification, and the SABIC acquisition was a key element of Saudi oil company's diversification strategy. Going forward, what does the merger mean for both companies, what is the new relationship between Saudi Aramco and SABIC, and what are the merger’s implications for the intricate relationship between the various bureaucracies and leadership in Saudi Arabia?

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions
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Content

New Atlanticist

Feb 19, 2025

Make Europe more energy secure by reforming EU regulations  

By Olga Khakova

Streamlining the European Union’s regulatory environment could help ensure energy security throughout the bloc.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Issue Brief

Feb 19, 2025

Unlocking America’s untapped energy potential through enhanced geothermal systems

By Chase Thalheimer, Reed Blakemore

Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) offer a promising clean energy solution by overcoming geographical and cost barriers, providing emissions-free, reliable power while supporting US decarbonization and energy security efforts, but widespread adoption requires government support, investment, and streamlined regulations.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

Feb 12, 2025

Six ‘snow leopards’ to watch for in 2025

By Emily Milliken, Imran Bayoumi, Ginger Matchett, Srujan Palkar, Sydney Sherry

Atlantic Council foresight experts spot the underappreciated phenomena that could have outsized impact on the world, driving global change and shaping the future.

Civil Society Climate Change & Climate Action

Atlantic Council Strategy Paper Series

Feb 12, 2025

Three worlds in 2035: Imagining scenarios for how the world could be transformed over the next decade

2024 was marked by increased climate shocks and collaboration of autocratic adversaries. What will the world look like in the next decade? The Atlantic Council’s top experts brought their globe-spanning expertise to the task of forecasting three different scenarios for the future.

Africa China

UkraineAlert

Feb 6, 2025

Ukraine can play a key role in Europe’s future energy architecture

By Nataliya Katser-Buchkovska

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the need for Europe to pursue greater energy flexibility and connectivity, writes Nataliya Katser-Buchkovska.

Conflict Economy & Business

Freedom and Prosperity Around the World

Jan 30, 2025

Peru’s economy needs to unlock its green potential

By Liliana Rojas-Suarez

Peru’s green transition offers a path to prosperity through renewable energy, critical minerals, and job creation. Prioritizing infrastructure, labor market reforms, and human capital development can drive growth. Political consensus around this vision is key to overcoming institutional weaknesses and positioning Peru as a global leader in the green economy.

Economy & Business Energy Transitions

In the News

Jan 21, 2025

Clabough in Real Clear Energy: “Don’t Turn Back: The Great Debate on Energy Subsidies”

By Andrea Clabough

Americas Climate Change & Climate Action

New Atlanticist

Jan 6, 2025

The Russia-Ukraine energy divorce offers a chance for Europe to take control of its energy security 

By Olga Khakova

Ukraine’s closure of a pipeline that supplied Russian gas to Europe offers the European Union an opportunity to enhance its economic and energy security.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

AfricaSource

Dec 20, 2024

What to know about the Lobito Corridor—and how it may change how minerals move

By Sarah Way

The United States’ investment in the Lobito Corridor project marks a significant shift in Washington’s approach to engagement with African nations.

Africa Critical Minerals

Report

Dec 19, 2024

What African producers of critical minerals can learn from Indonesia’s experience

By Bradford Simmons and Julien Marcilly

Indonesia and its success with resource nationalism can serve as an example for many mineral-rich African countries.

Africa Critical Minerals
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Experts

Millennium fellow

Luis Alvarado

Senior Climate Advisor at the Mission Possible Partnership, World Economic Forum

Millennium Leadership Program

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Olivia Azadegan

Senior Energy Manager, Global Methane Hub

Millennium Leadership Program

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Fellow

Morgan D. Bazilian

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

Staff

Reed Blakemore

Director, Research and Programs

Global Energy Center

Geopolitics & Energy Security Energy Transitions

Fellow

Andrea Clabough

Nonresident Fellow

Global Energy Center

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Executive Leadership Intensive participant

Noel Coenraad

Strategy Advisor, Vattenfall AB

Millennium Leadership Program

Energy Transitions Germany
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