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

FAST THINKING: What the UN climate report didn’t say

UkraineAlert Apr 9, 2025

Putin’s Arctic ambitions: Russia eyes natural resources and shipping routes

By Bohdan Ustymenko

Russia’s plans to expand its influence in the Arctic region and dominate the Northern Sea Route together with China pose serious security challenges for the international community, writes Bohdan Ustymenko.
China Conflict
FAST THINKING: What the UN climate report didn’t say

EnergySource Mar 28, 2025

Nord Stream could divide Europe yet again 

By Michał Kurtyka

Washington’s potential reset with Moscow, amid Ukraine peace negotiations, has revived discussions on the future of Nord Stream 2. Whether the Trump administration would cede its LNG market in Europe to Russian pipeline exports remains to be seen. For Europe, however, reopening the pipeline would be a costly mistake.
Eastern Europe Economy & Business
FAST THINKING: What the UN climate report didn’t say

MENASource Mar 13, 2025

Why now is the right time for ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran’s oil exports

By Scott Modell

Iran is more vulnerable than it has been in decades; the United States can deliver a decisive blow to Tehran and set the stage for a more stable and secure future.
Defense Policy Economy & Business

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 11, 2020

Climate commitments needed to head off threats of volatility and instability

By Adal Mirza

A widening gap between perceptions and reality of the global energy markets could increase volatility as governments, policy makers, and industries struggle to tackle climate change, according to Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Markets & Governance

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
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Content

Fast Thinking

Aug 9, 2021

FAST THINKING: What the UN climate report didn’t say

By Atlantic Council

The report maps a path to avert planetary catastrophe if humans completely stop adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by 2050. But is that even possible?

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

In the News

Aug 7, 2021

Fontenrose quoted in France24 on strongarm tactics for OPEC+

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Report

Aug 2, 2021

The energy transition in the Arab Gulf: From vision to reality

By Dr. Jean-François Seznec; Samer Mosis

The United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have emerged as leaders in the Arab Gulf's energy transition. But even as the two countries work to decarbonize their economies, challenges remain.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions
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?

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion 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 Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

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
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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

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

Fellow

Inwook Kim

Nonresident Fellow

empowerME Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

English Geopolitics & Energy Security
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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