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

New EU and US energy sanctions are needed to disarm Putin’s war machine

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
New EU and US energy sanctions are needed to disarm Putin’s war machine

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
New EU and US energy sanctions are needed to disarm Putin’s war machine

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

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

Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

The role of oil and gas companies in the energy transition

By Robert (“RJ”) Johnston, Reed Blakemore, and Randolph Bell

Many oil and gas companies have recognized the need to decarbonize the energy system to avoid the impacts of climate change. Initial industry efforts to play a role in the energy transition show sincerity and promise. Yet the urgent need for more oil and gas production for the foreseeable future suggests that a comprehensive framework for the oil and gas industry to support a low-carbon future while simultaneously ensuring the world has enough energy to meet development and economic growth goals has yet to be fully developed. What role can the oil and gas industry play lead the way to an energy-rich, globally prosperous, low-carbon future?

Energy Transitions Oil and Gas
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Content

UkraineAlert

Jun 19, 2025

New EU and US energy sanctions are needed to disarm Putin’s war machine

By Aura Sabadus

The EU and US have prepared measures that could dramatically weaken Russia’s energy weapon and undermine Putin’s war machine. The question now is whether they have the political leadership to proceed, writes Aura Sabadus.

Conflict European Union

EnergySource

Jun 18, 2025

Energy security is only achievable through global partnerships

By Elena Benaim, Paddy Ryan

The Atlantic Council’s flagship Global Energy Forum concluded its programming in Washington, DC, today. What emerged as a central theme throughout was the undeniable need for any single country to engage in international partnerships to achieve energy and national security, whether speakers were discussing divergent transatlantic views, nuclear power, or critical mineral supply chains.

Africa Americas

New Atlanticist

Jun 18, 2025

Senator John Hickenlooper on critical minerals, mining, and the future of clean energy

By Daniel Hojnacki

Hickenlooper discussed the role of working with allies and making scientific investments in ensuring US energy security.

China Climate Change & Climate Action

New Atlanticist

Jun 18, 2025

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide: Ukraine must emerge from war independent—including its energy

By Katherine Golden

“The geopolitics of energy is important . . . because it is so central to power dynamics," the foreign minister said at the 2025 Global Energy Forum.

Conflict Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Jun 17, 2025

What comes next in the Iran-Israel war, from a US response to energy impacts

By Katherine Golden

RBC Capital Markets' Helima Croft and the Atlantic Council's Brett McGurk discussed the energy and security risks resulting from the Iran-Israel war.

Conflict Energy & Environment

Transcript

Jun 17, 2025

The AI race ‘is not just about code,’ it’s ‘about gigawatts,’ says the UAE’s Sultan Al Jaber

By Atlantic Council

At the 2025 Global Energy Forum, Al Jaber spoke about the need to "hyperscale energy" and update energy grids across the world.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Jun 12, 2025

Donovan cited in Newsweek on EC proposal to lower price cap on Russian oil

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Jun 11, 2025

Donovan quoted in China Daily on potential US reactions to proposed EC sanctions on Russia

Read the full article here.

Economy & Business Europe & Eurasia

New Atlanticist

Jun 9, 2025

Turkmenistan’s deepening water crisis could have far-reaching regional consequences

By Rasul Satymov

Turkmenistan’s water crisis could have significant economic and political ramifications well beyond its borders.

Central Asia Corruption

EnergySource

May 13, 2025

Four energy deals Trump will look to make on his Middle East trip 

By Ellen Wald

Trump’s upcoming trip to the Middle East will focus on advancing energy and commercial agreements, including securing Gulf investments in US manufacturing, increasing US LNG imports, deepening nuclear cooperation with Saudi Arabia, and locking in oil production commitments. These efforts are ultimately aimed at advancing broader geopolitical objectives—countering Russian influence and strengthening US energy dominance.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
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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