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

The Saudi Aramco-SABIC merger: How acquiring SABIC fits into Aramco’s long-term diversification strategy

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
The Saudi Aramco-SABIC merger: How acquiring SABIC fits into Aramco’s long-term diversification strategy

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
The Saudi Aramco-SABIC merger: How acquiring SABIC fits into Aramco’s long-term diversification strategy

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

Transcripts

Jan 12, 2020

US Election 2020: What’s at stake for energy and climate?

Atlantic Council2020 Global Energy Forum U.S. Election 2020: What’s at Stake for Energy and Climate? Speakers: Carlos Curbelo, Former US Representative (R-FL) Avi Garbow, Environmental Advocate, Patagonia David Goldwyn, Chairman, Energy Advisory Group, Atlantic Council Michael Steele, Former Chair of the Republican National Committee Moderated By: Hadley Gamble, Reporter and Anchor, CNBC Location:  Abu Dhabi, […]

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Transitions

Transcript

Jan 12, 2020

Energy interconnections: A tool for stability or a vector of geopolitical risk?

By Atlantic Council

Atlantic Council 2020 Global Energy Forum Energy Interconnections: A Tool for Stability or a Vector of Geopolitical Risk? Speakers: H.E. Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Energy and Industry of the United Arab Emirates Thorsten Herdan, Director General, Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Germany Ramzi Mroueh, Managing Director, Origination, Cheniere Energy Inc. […]

Energy Transitions Geopolitics & Energy Security

Transcript

Jan 12, 2020

The great gas debate: The role of gas in the energy transition

By Atlantic Council

Atlantic Council 2020 Global Energy Forum The Great Gas Debate: The Role of Gas in the Energy Transition Speakers: Fatima Al Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer, ADNOC LNG Marco Alverà, Chief Executive Officer, Snam S.p.A. Adnan Amin, Distinguished Fellow, Global Energy Centre, Atlantic Council Tom Earl, Chief Commercial Officer, Venture Global LNG Moderated By: Ambassador Richard […]

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Transitions
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Content

Manufacturing facility

Issue Brief

Jan 9, 2020

The Saudi Aramco-SABIC merger: How acquiring SABIC fits into Aramco’s long-term diversification strategy

By Private: Jean-François Seznec

Throughout 2019, financial markets have watched the planned Saudi Aramco initial public offering (IPO), which was finally launched in December. A quieter, but no less significant, story was the Saudi oil company’s acquisition of SABIC. Saudi Aramco strove to have a successful IPO, especially through increased transparency and diversification, and the SABIC acquisition was a key element of Saudi oil company's diversification strategy. Going forward, what does the merger mean for both companies, what is the new relationship between Saudi Aramco and SABIC, and what are the merger’s implications for the intricate relationship between the various bureaucracies and leadership in Saudi Arabia?

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions

New Atlanticist

Jan 7, 2020

The 11th hour transit deal is a relief for European energy consumers and a pivotal opportunity for Ukraine’s future energy strategy

By Olga Khakova

The Naftogaz agreement with Gazprom is a cautious win for Ukraine, the agreement buys time for the country to reform its energy sector, which will be critical for Ukraine’s energy security, regardless of future contracts with Gazprom.

Energy Markets & Governance Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Jan 3, 2020

Bell quoted in Politico on threats to Iraqi oil production

By Atlantic Council

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jan 3, 2020

Ellen Wald interviewed on Bloomberg The Open commenting on oil market fluctuation as tensions rise with Iran

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran

In the News

Jan 3, 2020

Wald quoted in U.S. News and World Report on oil market shocks after death of Soleimani

By Atlantic Council

Iran Oil and Gas

EnergySource

Dec 31, 2019

How accounting for the externalities of carbon would affect end products

By Jennifer T. Gordon

Given the urgent need to decarbonize all sectors of the US economy, one of the broadest policy options that could steer both energy production and consumption in the right direction is the notion of putting a price on carbon.

Energy Transitions Oil and Gas

In the News

Dec 30, 2019

Wald in The Hill: Energy dominance is leverage for US foreign relations
Energy & Environment Oil and Gas
Buildings downtown

EnergySource

Dec 30, 2019

Shadow carbon pricing: What corporations can do in the meantime

By Jennifer T. Gordon

There are any number of reasons for corporations to participate in sustainability efforts. One of the greatest contributions that corporations can make to a zero-carbon future is setting a “shadow” price on carbon by placing a dollar value on emissions and making carbon commitments and investment choices accordingly.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Transitions
Stock exchange

EnergySource

Dec 30, 2019

The Aramco IPO isn’t quite enough to realize MBS’s diversification ambitions

By Randolph Bell

After significant delays and a number of setbacks, Aramco finally listed shares representing 1.5 percent of the company’s total value on the domestic Tadawul exchange. The $25.6 billion that the IPO raised is nothing to scoff at, but it still is not enough to fully realize MBS’ ambitions. Where does the IPO go from here?

Energy Markets & Governance Energy Transitions
Presidential debate stage

EnergySource

Dec 29, 2019

The reemergence of carbon pricing proposals

By Jennifer T. Gordon

There is a growing political acceptance of carbon pricing, both on the Hill and among presidential hopefuls. However, carbon pricing is by no means inevitable—where does the conversation go from here?

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy Transitions
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Experts

Fellow

Alhussain Abdalla

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Africa Center

Africa Arabic

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
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