Infrastructure

How the Iran war could trigger a European energy crisis

By Lisa Basquel

Refilling Europe’s depleted gas storage—already a difficult task given the continent’s efforts to stop purchasing Russian gas—is even more difficult now with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed.

Romania’s drone and energy plans with Ukraine make Europe stronger and more secure

Romanian President Nicușor Dan hosted his Ukrainian counterpart on March 12, underscoring Bucharest’s growing role in regional security.

Expanding transmission infrastructure to achieve low-cost, reliable, and abundant energy

By Ken Berlin, Frank Willey

With demand for electricity rising, the United States needs a long-term strategy to expand the power grid and improve energy reliability and affordability.

Can Project Vault fortify the US industrial base against mineral chokepoints?

By Morgan D. Bazilian and Lt. Col. Jahara “FRANKY” Matisek

Project Vault will help the United States create a stockpile of critical minerals, but its success as a strategic asset will depend on its governance.

How Venezuela’s future will help determine US diesel and trucking costs 

By Joseph Webster

The US intervention in Venezuela could have ripple effects on US diesel and trucking costs. The impact will fall disproportionately on rural areas.

Don’t solve the power reliability crisis by creating an affordability crisis

By Frank Willey

While energy reliability is critical, transmission planners and government entities must also prioritize cost-effectiveness.

How geothermal could enhance US energy security—if prioritized

By Paul Stahle

As electricity prices rise, US policymakers have an opportunity to accelerate geothermal's momentum and leverage its benefits.

Operationalizing the National Defense Industrial Strategy for great power competition

By Lt. Col. Jahara "Franky" Matisek and Morgan D. Bazilian

With Russia following China's lead in the rare-earth extraction roadmap, the United States must find solutions to stay competitive on the international stage.

Data centers aren’t grid villains—they’re allies

By Nate Mason

Contrary to the perception that AI data centers are only adding strain to the US grid, the facilities are in a position to help address issues facing the electricity system.

Solving the US military’s gallium dilemma requires turning trash into treasure

By Macdonald Amoah, Morgan D. Bazilian, Lt. Col. Jahara "Franky" Matisek, and Col. Katrina Schweiker

The metal gallium plays an outsized role in US war readiness—and China controls most of its supply. As geopolitical competition deepens, the United States needs a new playbook to fix this vulnerability.