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

UkraineAlert

Feb 18, 2025

Transatlantic alliance enters most challenging period since Suez crisis

By Edward Verona

The conclusion that many observers are drawing from the 2025 Munich Security Conference is that the United States, at least during the Trump presidency, is no longer willing to guarantee European security, writes Edward Verona.

Conflict
European Union

UkraineAlert

Feb 13, 2025

Ukrainian drones reportedly knock out 10 percent of Russian refining capacity

By Peter Dickinson

Ukraine’s 2025 campaign of drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure has succeeded in knocking out around one-tenth of Russia’s refining capacity, according to analysis by Reuters, writes Peter Dickinson.

Conflict
Defense Technologies

UkraineAlert

Feb 6, 2025

Ukraine can play a key role in Europe’s future energy architecture

By Nataliya Katser-Buchkovska

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the need for Europe to pursue greater energy flexibility and connectivity, writes Nataliya Katser-Buchkovska.

Conflict
Economy & Business

Transcript

Feb 4, 2025

Jonathan Wilkinson: US and Canada need to ‘walk back from the brink’ and find new ways to cooperate—including on energy

By Atlantic Council

At an Atlantic Council event, the Canadian energy minister made the case for a US-Canada alliance on energy and minerals.

Energy & Environment
Energy Markets & Governance

UkraineAlert

Jan 29, 2025

Can increased energy sector sanctions pressure Putin into peace talks?

By Aura Sabadus

US President Donald Trump has warned Russia that he will impose economic measures including taxes, tariffs, and sanctions unless Russian President Vladimir Putin agrees to end the war in Ukraine, writes Aura Sabadus.

Conflict
European Union

New Atlanticist

Jan 27, 2025

Expert context: What’s going on with Trump and the Panama Canal?

By Atlantic Council experts

With US President Donald Trump focusing on the critical waterway early in his second term, Atlantic Council experts explain how the canal came about, why it matters today, and what to expect next.

Economy & Business
Latin America

New Atlanticist

Jan 23, 2025

Trump’s clear path to securing US oil and gas dominance

By Richard L. Morningstar, Landon Derentz

The United States should seize on this moment to ensure long-term US LNG exports to Europe permanently replace Russian natural gas flows.

Economy & Business
Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Jan 23, 2025

‘Maximum pressure’ sanctions on Venezuela help US adversaries, hurt Venezuelans

By William Tobin

The "maximum pressure" strategy employed from 2018 to 2022 against the illegitimate Nicolás Maduro regime in Venezuela did not serve US interests. In this issue brief, the author argues that US sanctions must be linked to clear, targeted objectives.

Economy & Business
Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Jan 22, 2025

Seven questions (and expert answers) about Trump’s first actions to transform US energy

By Atlantic Council experts

Trump began his second term with a slew of statements and executive orders affecting energy. Atlantic Council experts decode what the changes will do and what to expect next.

Economy & Business
Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Jan 17, 2025

Syria’s energy sector and its impact on stability and regional developments

By Brenda Shaffer

An analysis of Syria’s energy resources and infrastructure, and outlook on the future of Syrian energy production and trade.

Energy & Environment
Energy Markets & Governance

Experts