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

Fontenrose joins NPR’s Air Talk to discuss attack on Saudi oil facility

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
Fontenrose joins NPR’s Air Talk to discuss attack on Saudi oil facility

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
Fontenrose joins NPR’s Air Talk to discuss attack on Saudi oil facility

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

Sep 16, 2019

Fontenrose joins NPR’s Air Talk to discuss attack on Saudi oil facility

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Infrastructure Protection Oil and Gas

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Cornell quoted in Bloomberg on the Saudi Aramco attack

By Phillip Cornell

Middle East Oil and Gas

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Slavin quoted in CNN Fareed’s Global Briefing on US-Iran relations

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Press and members call

Sep 16, 2019

Press call: Expert analysis on the Saudi Aramco attack

By Atlantic Council

Following the September 14 attack on two Saudi Aramco facilities, Atlantic Council experts Kirsten Fontenrose, Phillip Cornell, Ellen Wald, Jean-Francois Seznec, and Randolph Bell unpack the latest developments and offer insight into the ramifications for global energy markets, regional security, and the anticipated Aramco IPO. The Council regularly holds press and members calls on breaking news stories. To be invited […]

Infrastructure Protection Oil and Gas

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Slavin joins CTV to discuss U.S. blaming Iran for Saudi oil attacks

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Bell mentioned in The Houston Chronicle on Saudi Aramco global reach

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

New Atlanticist

Sep 16, 2019

Can global energy markets withstand the attack on Saudi oil?

By David A. Wemer

Atlantic Council experts react to the September 14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities and what it means for global energy markets and the wider region.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Sep 15, 2019

Cohen in Forbes: Why The Brazen Attack On Saudi Oil Could Force The U.S. To Act

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Iran

In the News

Sep 15, 2019

Bell quoted in Axios on Saudi Aramco drone attacks

By Randolph Bell

Oil and Gas Saudi Arabia

In the News

Sep 11, 2019

Bell quoted in BBC Mundo on the role of oil in the Russia- Saudi Arabia relationship

By Atlantic Council

Oil and Gas Spanish
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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