Oil & Gas

Oil & Gas

Even in a more carbon-conscious world, oil and gas will continue to play a significant role in the global energy system. From petrochemicals to power generation, oil and gas technologies will be a central player in the “dual challenge” of meeting increased energy demand and the need for low-carbon energy, making oil and gas still critical for international trade, investment, and geopolitics.

Recent analysis

How the Trump administration can reform the Jones Act to lower US energy costs

Dispatches Mar 17, 2026

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.
Conflict Economy & Business
How the Trump administration can reform the Jones Act to lower US energy costs

Dispatches Mar 12, 2026

Energy under attack: What the Gulf can learn from Ukraine and Iraq

By Matthew Keating

In their successes and shortcomings, Iraq and Ukraine are cases worth studying by countries currently under attack from Iran.
Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security
How the Trump administration can reform the Jones Act to lower US energy costs

Dispatches Mar 5, 2026

What a Middle East oil and LNG crisis means for China and East Asia

By Joseph Webster, Reid I’Anson, and Kevin Li

China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan would each be affected by a collapse in energy through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed.
China Conflict

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

Online Event Wed, April 13, 2022 • 7:30 am ET

Inclusive climate finance: An African vision for a just transition
Africa Climate Change & Climate Action Oil and Gas Renewables & Advanced Energy

Global Energy Forum

Apr 1, 2022

Can the Eastern Mediterranean resolve its natural gas strife?

By Atlantic Council

What role can the region play in a global push to reduce emissions and improve energy security?

Crisis Management Energy & Environment

Global Energy Forum

Apr 1, 2022

How a circular carbon economy can help achieve Paris Agreement climate goals

By Atlantic Council

Tools such as carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, and others will all need to be organized together to form a ‘circular carbon economy’ of carbon management.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment
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Content

Dispatches

May 7, 2026

How the Trump administration can reform the Jones Act to lower US energy costs

By David L. Goldwyn, Reid I’Anson, and Andrea Clabough

Shippers should be allowed to use non–Jones Act compliant vessels as long as no alternative is available.

Conflict Economy & Business

Global Energy Agenda

May 7, 2026

The future of US energy security: Building on lessons from the Iran war

By Bob McNally

The global energy disruption caused by the Iran war reveals what US energy policy has gotten right—and wrong. These lessons could pave the way toward a more energy-secure world.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

EnergySource

Apr 30, 2026

Breaking with OPEC, the UAE is now a free agent. What this means for markets and regional unity

By Ellen Wald

The UAE's departure from OPEC will both impact oil markets and mark a significant historic shift for the region.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Dispatches

Apr 28, 2026

‘A long time coming’: How to understand the UAE’s decision to leave OPEC

By William F. Wechsler

It’s important to see Abu Dhabi's announcement in the context of the growing rivalry between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Energy & Environment Middle East

Transcript

Apr 23, 2026

Full transcript: The 2026 Atlantic Council Distinguished Leadership Awards honor leaders shaping the future with a collaborative spirit

By Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council honored two trailblazing corporate leaders, a military official, and a Grammy-winning country music artist for their roles in shaping the global landscape.

Freedom and Prosperity NATO

Dispatches

Apr 21, 2026

The Strait of Hormuz closure forces a choice: Ration oil now or pay a steep price later

By Joseph Webster and Reid I’Anson

Instead of subsidizing demand or releasing scarce reserves too quickly, policymakers should emphasize the rationing of scarce supplies.

Conflict Economy & Business

Event Recap

Apr 14, 2026

The IEA’s Fatih Birol: Oil prices will soon begin ‘reflecting the severity’ of the energy crisis

By Katherine Golden

At an Atlantic Council Front Page event, Birol argued that oil prices, while high, are “not reflecting the severity of the problem” posed by the Iran war’s damage to infrastructure and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Transcript

Apr 13, 2026

Fatih Birol: The IEA is ‘ready to act’ with additional releases of reserves if needed

By Atlantic Council

At an Atlantic Council Front Page event, the executive director of the International Energy Agency spoke about economic impacts of the war in Iran and how countries can mitigate them.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Dispatches

Apr 10, 2026

Operation Overflow: How to break Iran’s grip over the Strait of Hormuz

By Landon Derentz

The US and its Gulf partners need an infrastructure strategy to bypass the strait entirely, on the scale of projects undertaken during World War II.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

Dispatches

Apr 8, 2026

Sanctions waivers on Russian and Iranian oil are set to expire. Here’s what Trump should do next.

By Maia Nikoladze, Daniel Fried

Washington should rely on already established mechanisms to limit revenue flows to both Tehran and Moscow.

Conflict Economy & Business
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Experts

Fellow

Marino Auffant

Nonresident Senior Fellow

GeoStrategy Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Staff

Reed Blakemore

Director, Research and Programs

Global Energy Center

Geopolitics & Energy Security Energy Transitions

Fellow

Ben Cahill

Nonresident senior fellow

Global Energy Center

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Fellow

Neil Ford

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Energy & Environment

Fellow

Agnia Grigas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Eastern Europe Energy Markets & Governance

Fellow

Mamadou Fall Kane

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Energy & Environment
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Events

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