Recent analysis

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.

Events

Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

International grid integration: Efficiencies, vulnerabilities, and strategic implications in Asia

By Phillip Cornell

In order to meet growing global demand for electricity, and in response to an increase in renewables, power networks and markets are evolving and becoming increasingly interconnected. South and Southeast Asia have already had some success with interconnections, and China’s vision and Belt and Road Initiative loom large in the region, but there are geopolitical concerns to contend with. Could a US model manage these concerns? What is the state of regional power markets in Asia and investment in regional grid infrastructure, and what responses are we already seeing to emerging trends?

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Markets & Governance

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

Content

President Biden and Chancellor Merkel at a press conference at the White House.

UkraineAlert

Jul 27, 2021

Why is Biden letting Putin win?

By Diane Francis

Russia and Germany, enabled by a distracted and increasingly isolationist United States, trample Europe and ignore the wishes of Central and Eastern European and Baltic nation-states. What does the White House think it’s doing?

Economic Sanctions Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Jul 22, 2021

Friedlander quoted in Reuters on evasion of oil sanctions

By Julia Friedlander

Read the full article here.

China Economic Sanctions

Fast Thinking

Jul 21, 2021

FAST THINKING: Nord Stream 2 gets the green light

By Atlantic Council

How will the United States and Germany balance business needs with security? And what price will Kyiv be forced to pay? We drilled down with our experts for answers.

Energy & Environment Germany

EnergySource

Jul 16, 2021

Gazprom’s folly: In seeking to deliver Nord Stream 2, it may undermine its own access to EU markets

By Alan Riley

After six years of debate and controversy over Nord Stream 2, the pipeline is now close to physical completion. Gazprom now wants to ensure that it is not just completed, but that it also receives all EU regulatory clearances rapidly, so the pipeline can be brought online. However, issues regarding compliance with existing EU law, prospective legal challenges, and consequences of Russian geopolitical natural gas power plays may complicate that narrative.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jul 9, 2021

Fontenrose quoted in France24 on OPEC+ Row

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

TURKEYSource

Jul 1, 2021

Can energy be the key to Turkish-US relations in the Biden era?

By Eser Özdil

In spite of ups and downs in the political relationship, the United States and Turkey have always shared mutual interests on energy including through the Southern Gas Corridor and emerging LNG trade. Shared priorities on developing renewables and cooperation to strengthen the energy security of Eastern Europe are now emerging areas of cooperation.

Climate Change & Climate Action Economy & Business

Fast Thinking

Jun 16, 2021

FAST THINKING: The Biden-Putin staredown

By Atlantic Council

The meeting was far shorter than anticipated but touched on everything from the Arctic and Ukraine to cyberattacks and human rights. Did Biden or Putin come away with any wins? Can US-Russian relations ever be “stable and predictable,” as Biden desires?

Cybersecurity International Organizations

Report

Jun 10, 2021

Shifting gears: Geopolitics of the global energy transition

By Robert J. Johnston

A peak in global oil demand would have significant geopolitical and geoeconomic consequences for oil-producing and importing states alike. And while oil resources have afforded leverage to producing nations, many of these countries have not diversified their economies and remain highly dependent on oil revenue for economic and national stability.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

In the News

May 14, 2021

Ashford in InkStick: The cautionary tale of the pipeline

By Atlantic Council

On May 14, Emma Ashford wrote an article in Inkstick on the national security implications of the Colonial Pipeline cyber attack. “But while the broad particulars of this story are correct — the Colonial Pipeline was indeed the victim of a ransomware attack which halted transit and caused gasoline shortages up and down the East […]

Cybersecurity Oil and Gas

EnergySource

May 13, 2021

Colonial Pipeline attack demonstrates that a more coherent cybersecurity strategy is necessary

By Cynthia Quarterman

With the announcement that the Colonial Pipeline will reopen soon, the short-term effect of the Colonial cyberattack on gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refined petroleum product prices is likely to be mildly escalatory and short-lived, but it exposes the soft underbelly of the nation’s critical energy infrastructure and the need for a more robust cybersecurity strategy to protect it.

Cybersecurity Energy & Environment

Experts

Events