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

The search for energy security may put the energy transition in the ‘back seat’

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
The search for energy security may put the energy transition in the ‘back seat’

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
The search for energy security may put the energy transition in the ‘back seat’

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

Global Energy Forum

Apr 1, 2022

The search for energy security may put the energy transition in the ‘back seat’

By Atlantic Council

How will a decarbonized and digitized energy system respond to these growing security challenges?

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Mar 30, 2022

Fontenrose joins to NPR to discuss US need for Saudi Arabian and UAE oil and political costs at stake

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Oil and Gas

Global Energy Forum

Mar 29, 2022

How Europe can work its way out of today’s energy-supply crisis—and through the energy transition

By Atlantic Council

The energy-supply crisis and the impact of the war in Ukraine have highlighted the urgency to build secure and resilient supply chains and infrastructure.

Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management

Global Energy Forum

Mar 29, 2022

After the war in Ukraine: Where Europe’s energy crisis could be headed next

By Atlantic Council

Putin’s aggression can be the impetus for a Ukrainian energy transformation, one that is not reliant on Russian transit fees and instead deeply connected with friendlier European energy markets.

Crisis Management Energy & Environment

Global Energy Forum

Mar 29, 2022

These island governments are racing to combat climate change amid sea-level rise

By Atlantic Council

Dignitaries from small island nations on Tuesday expressed their frustration with the state of the current global action—or lack thereof—on addressing climate change.

Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management

Global Energy Forum

Mar 29, 2022

Hydrogen’s role in energy security and decarbonization

By Atlantic Council

Hydrogen may play a key role in helping the world decarbonize and enhance global energy security. But policymakers will need to scale clean hydrogen quickly.

Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management

Global Energy Forum

Mar 29, 2022

How the UAE plans to invest in a net-zero future

By Atlantic Council

UAE policymakers now face the task of aligning the whole of domestic industry with their net-zero objective.

Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Mar 29, 2022

Putin’s ruble ploy confirms that energy exports are his lifeline

By Charles Lichfield

Western allies can only 'reduce the ruble to rubble' by dramatically reducing oil and gas imports.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

Global Energy Forum

Mar 28, 2022

In the energy transition, oil and gas have a ‘guaranteed’ role, says OPEC secretary general

By Atlantic Council

Even as the world decarbonizes, oil and gas will play a continued role in an equitable, affordable, and sustainable energy transition.

Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management

Global Energy Forum

Mar 28, 2022

Senior US energy official Amos Hochstein on the West’s response to Russia and ‘critical need’ to diversify its energy supply

By Atlantic Council

Europe and the United States are joining to ensure that more countries come on board with sanctions and that their sanctions deal the biggest blow to Russia.

Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management
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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