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

Biden’s Russian oil ban: Slick, or nothing special?

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
Biden’s Russian oil ban: Slick, or nothing special?

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
Biden’s Russian oil ban: Slick, or nothing special?

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

New Atlanticist

Mar 9, 2022

Biden’s Russian oil ban: Slick, or nothing special?

By Randolph Bell, Reed Blakemore, and Charles Lichfield

Our experts break down the new US move against Russia's energy industry, from its impact on global oil prices to the pressure it puts in Europe.

Energy & Environment European Union

TURKEYSource

Mar 9, 2022

With the Israeli president’s visit, are Israel-Turkey relations back on track?

By Atlantic Council IN TURKEY

The Atlantic Council IN TURKEY discusses the significance of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Turkey, the first state level bilateral visit since 2008 following over a decade of tensions between the two countries.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Israel

In the News

Mar 8, 2022

Lichfield quoted by CNN Business on Russia energy sanctions

Read the full article here

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

In the News

Mar 8, 2022

Blakemore quoted in  Al Jazeera on shale oil production
Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

In the News

Mar 8, 2022

Sullivan quoted in The Straits Times on Russian oil import bans
Energy Markets & Governance European Union

EnergySource

Mar 7, 2022

How to sanction Russian energy, mitigate price spikes, and advance low-carbon energy security

By Phillip Cornell

An embargo on Russian oil may not have the intended effect on Putin's war chest, as a squeeze on global oil supply could inadvertently create more profits for Russian producers. But a punitive tax might work better, keeping prices at market level while setting aside profits to use for diversification, price shock mitigation, and support for Ukraine.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

EnergySource

Mar 7, 2022

DeRussification of European natural gas imports by 55 bcm in 5 years: A three-pronged strategy to reduce, reroute, and reserve supplies

By Olga Khakova

Europe should be crafting ambitious plans to reduce its dependence on Russian energy. Reducing annual natural gas imports from Russia by 55 bcm in 5 years (or "55 in 5") would make a significant dent.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

IranSource

Mar 3, 2022

Can Iranian oil stabilize a volatile market?

By Omid Shokri

As fuel prices skyrocket following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, another major supplier of oil and natural gas is poised to play an important role.

Energy & Environment Iran

New Atlanticist

Mar 3, 2022

Europe needs to prepare for a future without Russian energy

By Michael John Williams and Erin Hodges

One of Putin’s greatest assets is Western reliance on Russia; to move forward, this relationship must shift from one of necessity to one of convenience.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Infographic

Mar 3, 2022

What to expect from Mexico’s energy reform bill

Mexico's Congress is currently debating a proposed amendment to the constitution to allow the state to increase control over the country’s energy market. What can we expect from this energy reform bill?

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions
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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