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

Shaffer in RealClearEnergy: Return funding for reliable energy to the world’s poorest

EnergySource May 21, 2025

Replace the Inflation Reduction Act with FUEL-AI

By Joseph Webster

To compete in the global AI race, the United States must dramatically expand its power supply. Replacing the Inflation Reduction Act with the FUEL-AI Act would reorient energy policy toward national security, fast-tracking domestic energy production and infrastructure to power America’s AI future.
Energy & Environment Energy Transitions
Shaffer in RealClearEnergy: Return funding for reliable energy to the world’s poorest

Issue Brief May 14, 2025

The United States’ role in managing the nuclear fuel cycle

By Kemal Pasamehmetoglu

Global nuclear energy generation is likely to increase significantly in the next few decades. This expansion provides an opportunity for the United States to shape the global nuclear energy landscape and set a high bar for standards of safety, security, and nonproliferation for the nuclear fuel cycle.
Climate Change & Climate Action Critical Minerals
Shaffer in RealClearEnergy: Return funding for reliable energy to the world’s poorest

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

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

In the News

Nov 25, 2024

Shaffer in RealClearEnergy: Return funding for reliable energy to the world’s poorest

By Brenda Shaffer

Africa Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Nov 19, 2024

Brazilian, US public-private partnerships key to regional energy security

By Bailee Mathews

On the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center hosted an event focused on strengthening collaboration on energy security between the US and Brazil. Brazil and the US are natural partners when it comes to navigating the energy transition with many opportunities for partnership.

Brazil Energy & Environment

Uncategorized

Nov 15, 2024

Cooper featured in the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs on the energy transition

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

EnergySource

Nov 14, 2024

Europe’s new industrial plan faces formidable obstacles

By Andrei Covatariu

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has promised to put forth in her second term a new Clean Industrial Deal to mobilize investment in infrastructure and industry, and reduce dependence on energy imports. But energy supply challenges and geopolitical hurdles risk undermining plans to restore Europe’s industrial competitiveness.

Defense Industry Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Nov 12, 2024

What Trump’s return as president means for COP29

By Jorge Gastelumendi

If the United States ends critical climate-related policies and investments, then even more Americans’ health, finances, and safety will be at risk.

Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business

In the News

Nov 11, 2024

Tobin quoted in Kallanish Power Materials on Trump’s potential impact on EVs, hydrogen, and green goals

By William Tobin

Energy Transitions Renewables & Advanced Energy

In the News

Nov 8, 2024

Global China Hub Nonresident Senior Fellow Michael Schuman in Politico

By Michael Schuman

On November 7th, 2024, Global China Hub nonresident senior fellow Michael Schuman spoke to Politico’s E&E News about how how the second Trump administration may approach trade with China, and how this could impact American clean energy manufacturers.

China Economy & Business

Issue Brief

Nov 4, 2024

Reducing US industrial emissions under budgetary uncertainty

By David L. Goldwyn, Andrea Clabough

The pathway to deep decarbonization remains unclear for "hard to abate" sectors in the United States. By addressing three key challenges, US industry can decarbonize despite financial constraints and political uncertainty.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Oct 18, 2024

Innovation can accelerate Southeast Asia’s energy transition 

By Reed Blakemore, Chase Thalheimer

As Southeast Asia’s energy landscape undergoes profound transformations, innovative clean technologies will be critical in meeting surging demand and ensuring a reliable, resilient, and clean energy supply.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

Transcript

Oct 16, 2024

Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar offers an ‘energy transformation roadmap’

Bayraktar spoke at the Regional Conference on Clean and Secure Energy about what Turkey is doing to reach its energy goals.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
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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

Staff

Reed Blakemore

Director, Research and Programs

Global Energy Center

Geopolitics & Energy Security Energy Transitions

Staff

Elina Carpen

Associate Director

Global Energy Center

Americas Energy & Environment

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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Events

Public Event Tue, March 17, 2026 • 9:30 am ET

Transmission 2026: Durable infrastructure and regulations for a new digital age
Energy & Environment Energy Transitions United States and Canada
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