The Global Energy Forum provides a platform for the release of timely commentary and analysis on the geopolitical, sustainability, and economic challenges of the changing global energy landscape. Previous report launches have covered topics ranging from regional implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement to prospects for aviation biofuels and oil and gas trends from the Middle East to East Asia.
Thu, Jan 9, 2020
International grid integration: Efficiencies, vulnerabilities, and strategic implications in Asia
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?
Report by Phillip Cornell
Thu, Jan 9, 2020
Energy sector diversification: Meeting demographic challenges in the MENA region
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?
Report by Bina Hussein
Thu, Jan 9, 2020
Transforming the power sector in developing countries: Geopolitics, poverty, and climate change in Bangladesh
As the South and Southeast Asian region faces increasing energy demand due to both population and economic growth, countries like Bangladesh must meet that demand while facing and overcoming critical environmental and energy security challenges. How is Bangladesh seeking to diversify its energy mix and establish more local and decarbonized power systems, and what are key opportunities for future government and foreign investment?
Issue Brief by Robert F. Ichord, Jr.
Thu, Jan 9, 2020
Transforming the power sector in developing countries: Geopolitics, poverty, and climate change in Pakistan
As the South and Southeast Asian region faces increasing energy demand due to both population and economic growth, countries like Pakistan must meet that demand while facing and overcoming critical environmental and energy security challenges. How is Pakistan seeking to diversify its energy mix and establish more local and decarbonized power systems, and what are key opportunities for future government and foreign investment?
Issue Brief by Robert F. Ichord, Jr.
Thu, Jan 9, 2020
The role of oil and gas companies in the energy transition
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?
Report by Robert (“RJ”) Johnston, Reed Blakemore, Randolph Bell
Thu, Jan 9, 2020
Election 2020: What’s at stake for energy?
As the US presidential election in November 2020 draws nearer, the energy policy platforms—including domestic energy, climate change, foreign, and trade policies—from the Democratic candidates, as well as the energy policies of a potential second Trump Administration, have become increasingly clear. The competing visions of a Republican and a Democratic administration could hardly be more disparate, and industry and external stakeholders should prepare for a volatile outlook regardless of the outcome in November 2020—what are the salient energy policies under the two scenarios and how will they address the deep and entrenched energy challenges that face the United States?
Issue Brief by David L. Goldwyn and Andrea Clabough
Thu, Jan 9, 2020
International co-financing of nuclear reactors between the United States and its allies
The United States and its allies in civil nuclear cooperation have struggled in recent years to compete against state-owned nuclear enterprise exports. Since nuclear energy agreements establish decades’ long relationships between the vendor and purchasing countries, and the United States and its allies wish to export their high safety and nonproliferation standards along with technologies, it is vital that the United States regains its position of global leadership on nuclear energy exports. As Russia and China seek out third-party countries with demand for nuclear energy, can the United States and its allies determine how to cooperate on co-financing agreements and become greater than the sum of their parts?
Issue Brief by Jennifer T. Gordon
Thu, Jan 9, 2020
European energy diversification: How alternative sources and routes can bolster energy security and decarbonization
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?
Issue Brief by Richard L. Morningstar, András Simonyi, Olga Khakova, Irina Markina
Thu, Jan 9, 2020
The Saudi Aramco-SABIC merger: How acquiring SABIC fits into Aramco’s long-term diversification strategy
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 Saudi Aramco’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 Aramco’s diversification strategy. Going forward, what does the merger mean for both companies, what is the new relationship between Aramco and SABIC, and what are the merger’s implications for the intricate relationship between the various bureaucracies and leadership in Saudi Arabia?
Issue Brief by Jean-François Seznec
Tue, Jan 8, 2019
Sovereign investors: A means for economic diversification?
Transparency metrics and measures in governance will help sovereign investors build partnerships in a wide range of industries, bolstering countries’ efforts to move beyond reliance on oil.
Report by Bina Hussein
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