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

Offshore drilling in an era of energy abundance

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

Offshore drilling in an era of energy abundance

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

Offshore drilling in an era of energy abundance

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.

learn more

Events

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


Global Energy Forum

Jan 9, 2020

European energy diversification: How alternative sources, routes, and clean technologies can bolster energy security and decarbonization

By
Richard L. Morningstar, András Simonyi, Olga Khakova, Irina Markina

The European Union’s efforts to achieve a carbon-neutral economy present a unique and timely opportunity to strengthen European energy security. What is the EU currently doing to meet its decarbonization goals, address the role of natural gas in Europe’s low-carbon future, and explain the potential for new gas sources, alternative gas routes, and clean energy technologies to reduce carbon emissions? And how can this be done while simultaneously increasing European energy security and opportunities for transatlantic cooperation?


Energy Markets & Governance

Energy Transitions


Manufacturing facility

Global Energy Forum

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

Load More

Content

New Atlanticist

Jan 18, 2018

Offshore drilling in an era of energy abundance

By Ellen Scholl

In just under one hundred days in office, Trump signed Executive Order 13795: Implementing an America-First Offshore Energy Strategy.

Oil and Gas United States and Canada

Global Energy Forum

Jan 8, 2018

Shaping Iraq’s oil and gas future

By Ellen Scholl

Oil production already provides much-needed revenue and economic development and underwrites the Iraqi federal budget. Meanwhile, gas development could also play a key role in Iraq’s future by fostering broad based economic development, improving electric service provision, and fostering value-added industries.

Energy & Environment Iraq

EconoGraphics

Sep 25, 2017

Crude Awakening

By Ole Moehr

On August 2, 2017, US President Donald J. Trump signed into law H.R.3364, a new set of economic sanctions aimed primarily on Russia (with additional measures adopted against Iran and North Korea). Essential to the success of any sanctions regime is its alignment.

Economy & Business European Union

Issue Brief

Aug 17, 2017

The America first energy plan: Renewing the confidence of American energy producers

By Sara Vakhshouri

To achieve the desired increase in domestic fossil fuel production and energy employment, President Trump, his administration, and his allies have promised to implement the America First Energy Plan, intended to reinvigorate the US coal industry, expand domestic fossil fuel production, cut regulations, open federal land for fossil fuel exploration, and reduce federal support for climate and environmental programs. What affect is the plan having on US energy industries?

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Issue Brief

Aug 17, 2017

The America first energy plan: Renewing the confidence of American energy producers

By Sara Vakhshouri

To achieve the desired increase in domestic fossil fuel production and energy employment, President Trump, his administration, and his allies have promised to implement the America First Energy Plan, intended to reinvigorate the US coal industry, expand domestic fossil fuel production, cut regulations, open federal land for fossil fuel exploration, and reduce federal support for climate and environmental programs. What affect is the plan having on US energy industries?

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Issue Brief

Jun 7, 2017

US liquefied natural gas exports outlook

By Bud Coote

The rise in US natural gas production, enabled by the shale boom, is influencing global markets and geopolitics. As domestic natural gas production grows, so too has US export capacity and the potential to drive shifts in the global market for liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Issue Brief

Jun 7, 2017

US liquefied natural gas exports outlook

By Bud Coote

The rise in US natural gas production, enabled by the shale boom, is influencing global markets and geopolitics. As domestic natural gas production grows, so too has US export capacity and the potential to drive shifts in the global market for liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Report

May 25, 2017

Why Africa matters to US national security

By Grant T. Harris

African nations have rarely been perceived as essential partners in the pursuit of US national security and economic interests, but a re-assessment of Africa’s strategic importance is past due. Transnational threats emanating from the continent continue to evolve, and trade and investment relationships have deepened. A better and broader understanding of the threats and opportunities […]

Africa Climate Change & Climate Action

Report

Apr 27, 2017

The Caspian Sea and Southern Gas Corridor: A view from Russia

By Bud Coote

While Russia’s initial energy development strategy in the Caspian has been predicated on maintaining dominance, the presence of alternative projects and infrastructure can create new “facts on the ground” that alter Russian behavior, influencing it in a more competitive direction. By analyzing the evolution of Russia’s energy development strategy in contexts across Central Asia, from Turkey to Georgia, this report illustrates the potential for market integration and interconnectivity to foster energy market competition and influence behavior.

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

In the News

Apr 9, 2017

Vakhshouri joins BBC Persian News Hours to Discuss Rhum Gas Field in North Sea

By Sara Vakhshouri

Watch the full interview here.

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas
Load More

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
Load More

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