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

US Launch: BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2016

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

US Launch: BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2016

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

US Launch: BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2016

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 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

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Content

Event Recap

Jun 15, 2016

US Launch: BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2016

By Yigit Erkut

On Wednesday, June 15, 2016, the Atlantic Council hosted the U.S launch of the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2016 with Spencer Dale, Group Chief Economist for BP. Global energy markets have entered a period of accelerating volatility. The US shale revolution has upended global oil and gas markets. Alternative energy sources are bourgeoning, […]

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas

Event Recap

Jun 9, 2016

Post Iran Nuclear Deal: Policy and Trade Implications

By Grady Wilson

While not much has changed for American investors, the Iran Nuclear Deal has brought about major shifts in international trade, particularity, but not exclusively, in the oil and gas sectors. Richard Nephew joined the Atlantic Council’s Turkey office on June 9, 2016, to discuss the obstacles facing Iran as the Islamic Republic reenters the global […]

Energy & Environment Iran

Issue Brief

May 6, 2016

Stolen Future

By Diane Francis

Diane Francis’ new issue brief, “Stolen Future,” exposes the depth and breadth of the economic devastation a corruption fueled oligarchy has wrought in Ukraine. In the wake of the Euromaidan Revolution, Ukraine has the opportunity to break the cycle of wealth appropriation which has plagued both Russia and Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet […]

Corruption Democratic Transitions

Report

May 3, 2016

The waning of Petrocaribe? Central America and Caribbean energy in transition

By David L. Goldwyn, Cory R. Gill

Petrocaribe, Caracas’ eleven-year-old energy and diplomatic alliance, is weakening. As Venezuela spirals closer to economic demise, the United States and the international community have an unprecedented opportunity to support Central America and the Caribbean’s transition away from Petrocaribe. How can the United States, Central America, and the Caribbean to advance together toward a more sustainable energy future?

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Issue Brief

Apr 14, 2016

Embracing Impact: How Africa Can Overcome the Emerging Market Downturn

By J. Peter Pham and Aubrey Hruby

In January 2016, oil prices fell to their lowest levels in more than a decade. Meanwhile, China, the world’s second-largest economy, is experiencing its most sluggish growth in a quarter-century—dragging down commodity prices and dampening the global economic outlook. The effects of this broad slowdown will hurt African economies more than most, because China and […]

Africa Angola

Issue Brief

Apr 4, 2016

Securing Ukraine’s energy sector

By Anders Åslund

2015 brought important reforms to Ukraine, particularly in the energy sector. What are the the promises kept and broken by the Post-Maidan government in Ukraine?

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Report

Mar 24, 2016

Saudi energy changes: The end of the Rentier State

By Jean-François Seznec

Saudi Aramco is the largest oil company in the world, and the Saudi dependence upon it has become strained. Dr. Seznec provides a comprehensive examination of Saudi energy assets and the potential diversification and reform measures the Monarchy could take to stabilize their economy.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Eastern Mediterranean Perspectives

Mar 18, 2016

The Cyprus Settlement and Eastern Mediterranean Hydrocarbon Export Scenarios

By Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center

The Cyprus Settlement and Eastern Mediterranean Hydrocarbon Export Scenarios

Energy & Environment Europe & Eurasia

Report

Mar 11, 2016

The new Argentina: Time to double down on the energy sector?

By Cristian Folgar

Argentina’s new government must build on economic reforms by further revising regulations for the energy sector. This is necessary to take advantage of the full producing potential of a sector that will be critical for jumpstarting the economy, moving manufacturing and bringing in foreign direct investment.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Issue Brief

Mar 10, 2016

US oil export outlook

By Amrita Sen

In December 2015, a forty-year ban on US crude oil exports lifted. Rapid advancements in US shale oil production played a crucial role in lifting this ban. What are the realities facing US oil exports?

Energy & Environment Oil and Gas
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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