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

Sullivan quoted in Business Day on oil trade and traffic in the midst of Houthi attacks

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
Sullivan quoted in Business Day on oil trade and traffic in the midst of Houthi attacks

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
Sullivan quoted in Business Day on oil trade and traffic in the midst of Houthi attacks

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

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

Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

Transforming the power sector in developing countries: Geopolitics, poverty, and climate change in Pakistan

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 Pakistan must meet that demand while facing and overcoming critical environmental and energy security challenges. How is Pakistan 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?

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Markets & Governance
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Content

In the News

Dec 20, 2023

Sullivan quoted in Business Day on oil trade and traffic in the midst of Houthi attacks
Energy Markets & Governance Middle East

UkraineAlert

Dec 19, 2023

Wartime Ukraine’s European energy integration continues

By Aura Sabadus

Ukraine has been invited to join Europe’s leading electricity infrastructure association in January 2024 as the country's remarkable wartime European energy sector integration continues, writes Aura Sabadus.

Conflict Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Dec 19, 2023

Tran cited by The Guardian on Red Sea attacks disrupting global trade

Read the full article here.

Oil and Gas Trade and tariffs

In the News

Dec 19, 2023

Sullivan quoted in First Post on the effects of Red Sea attacks on the price of oil
Energy Markets & Governance Middle East

In the News

Dec 19, 2023

Tran interviewed by the BBC on Red Sea attacks disrupting global trade

Watch the full interview here.

Oil and Gas Trade and tariffs

In the News

Dec 19, 2023

Wald featured in Bloomberg Surveillance podcast discussing the impacts of the Red Sea attacks on the global oil market, commercial transportation alterations, and responses to Houthi attacks
Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Dec 19, 2023

Tran cited by Semafor on Red Sea attacks disrupting global trade

Read the full article here.

Oil and Gas Trade and tariffs
Ships on Red Sea

Econographics

Dec 18, 2023

What attacks in the Red Sea could mean for the global economy

By Hung Tran

Recent missile attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi rebels have escalated regional tensions and disrupted global trade. Large shipping companies are now avoiding the route, causing significant costs and delays, which is impacting the the already fragile economy.

Economy & Business Macroeconomics

In the News

Dec 18, 2023

Tran cited by Business Insider on Red Sea attacks disrupting global trade

Read the full article here.

Oil and Gas Trade and tariffs

In the News

Dec 16, 2023

Sullivan quoted in Al Jazeera on what the Houthi attacks mean for the oil market
Energy Markets & Governance Middle East
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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