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

Cohen in Forbes: Oil-Rich Kazakhstan Begins The Long March Towards Renewables

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
Cohen in Forbes: Oil-Rich Kazakhstan Begins The Long March Towards Renewables

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
Cohen in Forbes: Oil-Rich Kazakhstan Begins The Long March Towards Renewables

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

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

In the News

Oct 18, 2019

Cohen in Forbes: Oil-Rich Kazakhstan Begins The Long March Towards Renewables

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
Pipeline construction

EnergySource

Oct 17, 2019

The ‘principle of solidarity’: OPAL, Nord Stream, and the shadow over Gazprom

By Alan Riley

The OPAL judgment in Case T-883/16 "Republic of Poland v. European Commission" from the EU General Court will undermine Gazprom’s market dominance in Central and Eastern Europe.

Energy Markets & Governance Europe & Eurasia
European Court of Justice building

EnergySource

Oct 17, 2019

Impact of the European Court of Justice’s Opal decision

By Daniel D. Stein

The recent decision by the European Court of Justice to limit Gazprom’s use of Opal, an onshore pipeline in Germany, has wide-reaching implications for Gazprom’s use of both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, as well as Gazprom’s reliance on Ukraine for gas transit to Europe.

Energy Markets & Governance Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Sep 28, 2019

Ellinas in Foreign Policy: Israeli Energy Exports Won’t Make Europe More Pro-Israel

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance
Modi energy trip

New Atlanticist

Sep 26, 2019

Howdy LNG: Modi aims for energy in Houston

By Palak Sharma

The announcement of a significant energy MOU on Modi's visit was a significant step towards meeting India’s growing energy needs.

India Oil and Gas

In the News

Sep 26, 2019

Shaffer joins The John Batchelor Show to discuss Azerbaijan’s Deal of the Century

By Atlantic Council

Eastern Europe Energy & Environment

In the News

Sep 22, 2019

Livingston quoted in El Pais Semanal on climate action and industry

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Inflection Points

Sep 21, 2019

Trump’s Iran test: Nerves and vision

By Frederick Kempe

President Trump’s maximum pressure and Iran’s escalating responses have increased the risks of conflict. They have also brought a new chance of resolution that may become the most significant test yet of President Trump’s ability to transform his disruptive foreign policy into positive outcomes.

Defense Policy Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Sep 20, 2019

Shaffer joins The John Bachelor Show to discuss Iran and Saudi Arabia

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Iran

In the News

Sep 19, 2019

Slavin quoted in The Washington Examiner on US-Iran relations

By Atlantic Council

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

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