ThinkTankWeekly

Topics / Energy

1. 1.

   How America Can Unleash the Next Energy Revolution: A Fireside Chat with Secretary Chris Wright (CATO)

   2026-05-18 | energy | 2026-W20 | Topics: United States, Energy

   Secretary Chris Wright argues that the United States must achieve energy dominance to lead the next energy revolution. His core strategy emphasizes deregulation, allowing free markets to expand energy supply and types, thereby solidifying U.S. global leadership. While this market-driven approach is necessary, the policy faces significant domestic and international opposition. Consequently, the primary policy challenge is overcoming these headwinds to fully implement market-based solutions and secure American energy superiority.

   Read at CATO

2. 2.

   China and Climate: China Restricts Fuel Exports, Solar Exports Surge (CFR)

   2026-05-18 | energy | 2026-W20 | Topics: China, Climate, Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Trade, United States, Energy

   China is consolidating its domestic energy control by restricting fuel exports to prioritize national needs, while simultaneously capitalizing on global energy instability to solidify its position as a dominant clean energy supplier. Key evidence includes record-high solar exports, driven by global supply chain shifts, and the implementation of detailed, binding national climate governance measures. These actions signal a dual strategy: enhancing energy self-sufficiency and using its manufacturing dominance to influence global energy transitions. Policymakers must anticipate that China will continue to tightly manage its energy market and leverage its climate leadership to deepen geopolitical influence.

   Read at CFR

3. 3.

   What policy choices does the US face on Chinese clean energy investment? (Brookings)

   2026-05-18 | energy | 2026-W20 | Topics: AI, China, Climate, Cybersecurity, Europe, Indo-Pacific, Trade, United States, Energy

   The US faces an inherent policy tension regarding Chinese clean energy investment: balancing the necessity of Chinese technology to accelerate domestic energy deployment against critical national security risks, such as supply chain over-dependence and data vulnerability. While China provides essential low-cost inputs for reindustrialization, current policies are often a chaotic patchwork of tariffs and screening rules that lack technological specificity. Policymakers must clarify their long-term national objectives—whether pursuing full domestic self-sufficiency or managed partnership—and adopt nuanced, technology-specific strategies rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to mitigate risks effectively.

   Read at Brookings

4. 4.

   Dr Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director, on the Strait of Hormuz crisis and global energy security (Chatham House)

   2026-05-18 | energy | 2026-W20 | Topics: Middle East, Energy

   The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatens to plunge the global energy system into an acute crisis, with repercussions extending far beyond surging oil and gas prices. The immediate evidence shows cascading economic failures, including flight cancellations, fuel rationing, and mandatory government fiscal revisions. Birol stresses that global economic stability is highly precarious, depending on de-escalation between major regional powers. Policymakers must urgently reassess energy security strategies, determining if the crisis will accelerate the energy transition or cause a significant global derailment.

   Read at Chatham House

5. 5.

   The Hormuz inflation shock is only just beginning (Chatham House)

   2026-05-18 | energy | 2026-W20 | Topics: Middle East, Energy

   The analysis argues that the current global inflation surge is primarily driven by soaring energy prices, which are exacerbated by geopolitical instability in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. Key evidence points to the dramatic rise in energy costs (e.g., Brent crude near $100), establishing energy inflation as the dominant driver of broader CPI, overriding concerns about demand-side factors. Consequently, central banks face significant policy challenges, as this energy shock will trigger 'second-round effects' (cost-push inflation) that cannot be easily mitigated through traditional monetary policy rate hikes.

   Read at Chatham House

6. 6.

   Even In a Historic Energy Crisis, ASEAN Fails Again (CFR)

   2026-05-18 | energy | 2026-W20 | Topics: China, Climate, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Trade, United States, Energy

   Despite convening amid a severe energy crisis triggered by the Iran war, ASEAN failed once again to produce any binding, coordinated regional energy strategy. The failure is attributed to the bloc's inherent consensus-based structure, which allows individual member states to veto collective action due to competing national interests (e.g., prioritizing national reserves or aligning with bilateral powers). This paralysis not only stalled critical energy planning but also prevented progress on other major issues, such as the South China Sea Code of Conduct and the Myanmar crisis. The inability to act decisively undermines ASEAN's credibility and suggests that the organization remains structurally incapable of managing genuine, large-scale regional emergencies.

   Read at CFR

7. 7.

   The Iran Conflict Illuminates Taiwan’s Unique Energy Security Challenge (CSIS)

   2026-05-18 | energy | 2026-W20 | Topics: China, Climate, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Nuclear, Taiwan, Trade, United States, Energy

   The article argues that Taiwan faces a critical and complex energy security challenge, intensified by global conflicts and its deep reliance on imported fossil fuels. This vulnerability is compounded by the exponential energy demands of its semiconductor industry, which underpins its strategic global value, and the geopolitical threat of resource cutoff from China. To mitigate risks, Taiwan is rapidly diversifying energy sources away from the Middle East and increasing storage capacity. Policy must therefore urgently balance massive industrial energy growth, climate transition goals, and geopolitical instability to ensure sustained national resilience.

   Read at CSIS

8. 8.

   Beyond Russian Gas: Trade-Offs in EU Liquefied Natural Gas Diversification (CSIS)

   2026-05-18 | energy | 2026-W20 | Topics: Climate, Europe, Middle East, NATO, Russia, Trade, Ukraine, United States, Energy

   The report argues that while the EU successfully transitioned away from Russian gas, its new LNG strategy risks replacing one dependency with another, creating new concentration risks. Utilizing a dual-risk framework (price volatility, geopolitical exposure, and supplier concentration), the analysis demonstrates that reliance on a single supplier or contract type is inherently unstable. Therefore, the core policy recommendation is that the EU must adopt a resilient energy portfolio that balances diversified long-term contracts with retained spot-market flexibility. Ultimately, long-term security requires mitigating geopolitical risks and actively managing critical chokepoint vulnerabilities, rather than simply substituting one major supplier for another.

   Read at CSIS

9. 9.

   The Winners and Losers of the Iran Energy Shock (Foreign Affairs)

   2026-05-11 | energy | 2026-W20 | Topics: Middle East, Energy

   The conflict in Iran highlights global vulnerability, arguing that the primary lesson is not regional division but the extreme risks associated with energy dependence. The key evidence is the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which choked off a fifth of global oil and LNG, triggering immediate and severe price spikes worldwide. This shock forced nations, such as the Philippines and Zambia, to declare national energy emergencies or suspend fuel levies. Consequently, the report implies that global policy must urgently prioritize energy diversification, supply chain resilience, and alternative energy sources to mitigate future geopolitical shocks.

   Read at Foreign Affairs

10. 10.

    Why more states are passing laws to help people drive less (Brookings)

    2026-05-08 | energy | 2026-W19 | Topics: Climate, Energy

    States across the Americas are recognizing that the traditional link between high Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and economic growth is fracturing, leading to a policy shift toward mitigation. Key evidence shows that excessive driving generates negative externalities, including increased pollution, higher maintenance costs, and unsustainable GHG emissions. Consequently, states are passing varied laws—ranging from project-level mandates (California) to statewide planning constraints (Colorado)—to force transportation planning to prioritize VMT reduction. The implication for policy is that future infrastructure investment must move beyond simply building more roads, instead requiring comprehensive, multimodal strategies that redirect funds toward public transit, cycling, and pedestrian infrastructure to achieve sustainable growth.

    Read at Brookings

11. 11.

    The Iran War Shock Is a Wake-Up Call for Energy Innovation (CFR)

    2026-05-08 | energy | 2026-W19 | Topics: China, Climate, Europe, Middle East, Nuclear, Russia, Ukraine, United States, Energy

    The ongoing Iran war shock has highlighted the vulnerability of global energy markets and underscored the urgent need for accelerated energy innovation. CFR’s new Global Energy Innovation Index reveals that innovation efforts have stagnated, particularly in areas like renewable energy adoption and patenting, leading to limited options for responding to crises. The article emphasizes that necessity drives invention, exemplified by fuel-switching measures and stockpile releases, but stresses the importance of sustained government investment in research and development alongside private sector innovation. Ultimately, a renewed focus on energy innovation, particularly in areas like geothermal and advanced energy storage, is crucial to mitigating future disruptions and ensuring long-term energy security.

    Read at CFR

12. 12.

    The Hormuz Shock + Why the Fed is “On Hold” (CFR)

    2026-05-08 | energy | 2026-W19 | Topics: Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Trade, United States, Energy

    The analysis argues that geopolitical instability in the Strait of Hormuz is creating a major energy shock, projecting a difficult combination of lower global growth and higher inflation. This energy shortfall presents a significant quandary for central banks, forcing them to navigate policy while struggling to meet inflation targets. Although the US is somewhat insulated from certain price shocks, rising oil prices will disproportionately impact low and moderate-income households, severely eroding consumer confidence. Policymakers must therefore remain highly cautious, as the uncertainty surrounding the shock's duration and magnitude complicates monetary policy decisions.

    Read at CFR

13. 13.

    Beyond ‘clean’ versus ‘cheap’: The energy and growth strategy that states and regions are missing (Brookings)

    2026-05-08 | energy | 2026-W19 | Topics: AI, China, Climate, Nuclear, Trade, United States, Energy

    The article argues that states are failing to capitalize on the energy transition by adopting a false dichotomy between 'clean' or 'cheap' energy. The core finding is that energy must be viewed not merely as a commodity cost, but as a strategic lever for industrial and economic transformation. This shift is underpinned by technological evidence, including the exponential cost declines of renewables and the rise of distributed energy resources (DERs). Policy implications suggest that the most critical resource is demand-side flexibility and efficiency, which offers a cheaper and faster path to capacity than building new centralized infrastructure. Therefore, states must adopt a new operating model that co-evolves economic development with the energy system by rewarding efficiency as a core industrial resource.

    Read at Brookings

14. 14.

    OPEC and the UAE Exit (CATO)

    2026-05-04 | energy | 2026-W18 | Topics: Middle East, United States, Energy

    The article argues that OPEC's ability to control oil prices through production quotas is largely symbolic, citing that geological and technical realities prevent rapid, precise adjustments to oil output. Evidence suggests that quotas are frequently ignored, with the UAE exceeding its limits and its production volatility statistically mirroring that of the decentralized US market. Therefore, OPEC functions less as an economic cartel and more as a political club, using the appearance of control to rally against the West. The UAE's exit signals that geopolitical differences with regional rivals, such as Saudi Arabia, now outweigh the strategic importance of anti-Western solidarity.

    Read at CATO

15. 15.

    The UAE Announces Exit From OPEC (CFR)

    2026-05-04 | energy | 2026-W18 | Topics: China, Europe, Middle East, NATO, Russia, Trade, Ukraine, United States, Energy

    The UAE's announced exit from OPEC and OPEC+ signals a significant weakening of the cartel's ability to coordinate and influence global oil supply. This move is driven by Abu Dhabi's desire for greater energy policy autonomy and a growing geopolitical divergence from Saudi Arabia. The withdrawal adds to market unpredictability, suggesting that major producers are increasingly prioritizing national strategic interests over coordinated cartel pricing efforts. This shift implies a move toward decentralized energy policies, challenging OPEC's historical role as the primary arbiter of global oil prices.

    Read at CFR

16. 16.

    Norway can teach the UK about energy security – but the lesson is not more North Sea drilling (Chatham House)

    2026-05-04 | energy | 2026-W18 | Topics: Climate, Europe, Middle East, Trade, Energy

    The article argues that the UK's energy security challenge, exacerbated by global supply shocks, cannot be solved by increased fossil fuel extraction from the North Sea. Instead, the UK should model its strategy on Norway, which successfully decoupled its energy needs from fossil fuels by prioritizing electrification for heating and transport. This transition requires aggressive policy intervention—such as subsidies and infrastructure upgrades—to accelerate the adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles. By rapidly shifting away from oil and gas dependency, the UK can significantly reduce its exposure to volatile international energy markets, thereby improving both resilience and environmental outcomes.

    Read at Chatham House

17. 17.

    System integration: the key to Europe’s energy trilemma (Brookings)

    2026-05-04 | energy | 2026-W18 | Topics: China, Climate, Europe, Middle East, Nuclear, Russia, Trade, Ukraine, United States, Energy

    The Brookings report argues that deep energy system integration across the EU and with neighboring states is essential for navigating the energy trilemma—balancing security, affordability, and sustainability. This integration enhances security by allowing cross-border transfers to buffer supply shocks, while it boosts sustainability and affordability by optimizing the management of intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. To realize these benefits, policymakers must undertake massive investments in cross-border infrastructure and, critically, address the political and social challenges of cost allocation and loss of local control. Ultimately, sustained political will is required to overcome these hurdles, transforming a more integrated energy system into a core driver of European growth and strategic autonomy.

    Read at Brookings

18. 18.

    Why the UAE Walked Out on OPEC—and What It Means for the Cartel (CFR)

    2026-05-04 | energy | 2026-W18 | Topics: Middle East, United States, Energy

    The UAE's decision to withdraw from OPEC is a significant geopolitical move, driven primarily by the deterioration of its bilateral relationship with Saudi Arabia and the belief that the cartel's decision-making historically favors Riyadh over Abu Dhabi's economic interests. While the move is not an immediate threat to OPEC's global oil flows, it serves as a powerful symbolic blow to the cartel's cohesion and stability. Strategically, the departure signals a growing trend among Gulf states to assert economic autonomy and resist regional dominance. If the UAE can demonstrate that leaving the cartel is economically beneficial, it could prompt other members to reconsider their participation.

    Read at CFR

19. 19.

    Libya’s False Peace (Foreign Affairs)

    2026-05-01 | energy | 2026-W18 | Topics: Middle East, Trade, United States, Energy

    The article argues that Libya's current stability is a 'false peace,' maintained by transactional financial deals between rival ruling elites rather than genuine political unification. Key evidence shows that both factions continue to siphon state resources, particularly oil wealth, for personal gain, leading to profound fiscal crises and institutional weakness. For effective stabilization, the US must abandon focusing on elite bargains and instead adopt a broader strategy: bolstering the independence of financial institutions (like the Central Bank and NOC), enforcing transparency through audits, and supporting the groundwork for national elections.

    Read at Foreign Affairs

20. 20.

    Strait of Hormuz Commercial Transits at Lowest Level Since Operation Epic Fury Start, Shipping Data Shows (USNI)

    2026-05-01 | energy | 2026-W18 | Topics: Middle East, Trade, United States, Energy

    Commercial transits through the Strait of Hormuz have dropped to historic lows, indicating severe disruption to global energy supply chains. This decline is driven by the ongoing geopolitical conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which has resulted in a partial blockade and increased reliance on the 'shadow fleet.' The low transits, coupled with high oil prices and the potential for prolonged blockades, suggest that the region's maritime stability is critically compromised. Policymakers must recognize the extreme vulnerability of global energy markets to localized conflict, necessitating contingency planning for alternative shipping routes and enhanced diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

    Read at USNI

21. 21.

    Shadow Fleets: The Future of U.S. Oil Sanctions Enforcement (CFR)

    2026-04-27 | energy | 2026-W17 | Topics: China, Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Nuclear, Russia, Trade, Ukraine, United States, Energy

    The analysis argues that while U.S. sanctions are powerful tools for geopolitical leverage, they inevitably generate unintended loopholes, exemplified by the 'shadow fleet.' Enforcement strategies must be highly tailored, ranging from the banking-focused 'carrot and stick' model used against Iran, to the price-cap mechanism implemented against Russia. This shift demonstrates that modern sanctions must balance punitive goals with the critical need to maintain global energy market stability. Policymakers must therefore design sophisticated regimes that prevent market shocks while achieving strategic objectives.

    Read at CFR

22. 22.

    The Climate Briefing: Oil and gas producers in the Gulf: a deep dive (part 1 of 2) (Chatham House)

    2026-04-27 | energy | 2026-W17 | Topics: Climate, Middle East, Energy

    This briefing examines the historical and geopolitical significance of the Gulf region's dominance in global oil and gas supplies. The analysis argues that the region's wealth and influence have been intrinsically tied to fossil fuel exports, making it a critical flashpoint for global energy security, particularly amid current tensions like those around the Strait of Hormuz. While Part 1 establishes this historical dependency, the series warns that the future stability of the Gulf is threatened by two major forces: escalating regional conflicts and the irreversible global energy transition. Policymakers must therefore consider how Gulf producers will manage this dual challenge to maintain their geopolitical influence and ensure global energy stability.

    Read at Chatham House

23. 23.

    The Strait of Hormuz energy crisis shows the EU’s carbon pricing is the right approach (Chatham House)

    2026-04-27 | energy | 2026-W17 | Topics: Climate, Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Russia, Ukraine, Energy

    The energy crisis stemming from the Strait of Hormuz demonstrates the profound vulnerability of relying on volatile fossil fuel imports. The analysis argues that the EU's existing carbon pricing mechanism, the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), is the essential long-term solution, as it has proven effective in driving decarbonization and reducing emissions while generating revenue for clean energy investments. Policymakers must therefore strengthen the ETS and prioritize coordinated joint procurement of resources to mitigate geopolitical shocks. Ad-hoc national subsidies, conversely, risk undermining the 'polluter pays principle' and fragmenting the European market.

    Read at Chatham House

24. 24.

    The Strait of Hormuz, shipping, and law (Chatham House)

    2026-04-27 | energy | 2026-W17 | Topics: China, Middle East, Energy

    The Chatham House analysis emphasizes that international law, specifically the UNCLOS regime of 'transit passage,' guarantees unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz, overriding local coastal state sovereignty. The article critiques unilateral blockades, such as the proposed US action, as illegal and highly escalatory, noting that the Strait is vital for global energy trade. Given its critical role in maritime commerce, adherence to established international law is paramount; any conflict escalation must respect the right of passage to prevent catastrophic global economic disruption.

    Read at Chatham House

25. 25.

    How to Interpret Wartime Oil Prices (CSIS)

    2026-04-27 | energy | 2026-W17 | Topics: China, Climate, Europe, Middle East, Russia, Trade, United States, Energy

    The analysis argues that during major supply disruptions, the physical oil market (real barrels) is a more reliable indicator of true supply-demand imbalances than the financial 'paper' futures market. The current crisis is characterized as a 1970s-style supply shock, causing physical prices to diverge sharply from futures prices, which are masking the true scarcity. Policymakers must recognize that high physical prices reflect acute supply constraints, and relying on moderate futures prices can send false signals of market stability. Furthermore, broad government price interventions risk creating a moral hazard, potentially hindering necessary behavioral changes and slowing the energy recovery.

    Read at CSIS

26. 26.

    Canada’s foreign and energy policy: In conversation with the Premier of Alberta (Chatham House)

    2026-04-27 | energy | 2026-W17 | Topics: Middle East, Trade, United States, Energy

    Alberta's substantial role as Canada's primary energy producer grants the province significant leverage in shaping the nation's foreign and energy policy. The conversation highlights that global energy instability, particularly the Middle East conflict, is increasing international interest in North American supply and elevating the importance of Canada's export choices. Premier Smith's vision suggests that Alberta's priorities—rooted in deep US market integration and energy exports—will heavily influence Canada's strategy regarding economic sovereignty and alliance recalibration. Ultimately, the successful integration of Alberta's economic agenda into the federal foreign policy remains an open question regarding national consensus.

    Read at Chatham House

27. 27.

    Financing the Missing Middle (CFR)

    2026-04-27 | energy | 2026-W17 | Topics: AI, China, Climate, Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Nuclear, Russia, Trade, Ukraine, United States, Energy

    The report identifies a critical "missing middle" gap, estimated at $100-$200 billion, where emerging energy technologies struggle to transition from small-scale proof-of-concept to commercial deployment due to perceived investment risk. This gap is exacerbated by global economic shifts, such as inflation and rising interest rates, which make large-scale, high-risk capital difficult to secure. To bridge this, the authors argue that relying solely on private investment is insufficient, necessitating a multi-faceted approach. Policy solutions must combine public demand guarantees (federal and state level) with private risk-transfer mechanisms, such as new insurance models, to de-risk projects and stimulate diverse capital flows. The successful scaling of energy innovation requires a combination of policy support and private sector action, rather than any single solution.

    Read at CFR

28. 28.

    American Corn Growers Have an Ethanol Problem. We Should Stop Enabling It. (CATO)

    2026-04-27 | energy | 2026-W17 | Topics: Climate, Trade, United States, Energy

    The Cato Institute argues that federal mandates and subsidies for corn ethanol, particularly through the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), constitute an expensive and unnecessary government intervention. The authors contend that these subsidies are an 'addiction' that primarily benefits large agricultural lobbies and refiners at the expense of taxpayers and consumers. Key evidence cited includes the fact that the RFS has been shown to increase emissions and that the mandates are not essential for fuel performance or market stability. Policy-wise, the report strongly recommends that Congress abolish the entire RFS program, allowing ethanol to find its place purely in the free market and removing government involvement from the transportation fuel business.

    Read at CATO

29. 29.

    An 'Open for Open' Hormuz Deal Could Break the Iran Stalemate (CFR)

    2026-04-27 | energy | 2026-W17 | Topics: Middle East, Nuclear, Trade, United States, Energy

    The article posits that an "open for open" deal—where the US and Iran mutually lift their blockades of the Strait of Hormuz—is the most immediate way to break the current diplomatic stalemate. This proposal is driven by mutual economic necessity, as both nations suffer significant damage from the resulting disruption to global oil and gas flow. Implementing this formula would stabilize global energy markets, providing crucial time and confidence for the two sides to engage in the complex, long-term negotiations required to address Iran's nuclear program and regional tensions.

    Read at CFR

30. 30.

    With Hormuz Closed, China Is Wiring the Globe’s Clean Energy Future (CFR)

    2026-04-27 | energy | 2026-W17 | Topics: China, Climate, Europe, Middle East, Trade, United States, Energy

    The article argues that geopolitical instability, such as the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, accelerates the global shift toward clean energy, positioning China as the dominant leader in the new 'electrostate' model. China's advantage stems from its comprehensive control over the 'new trio' (solar, batteries, EVs) and critical manufacturing infrastructure, including rare-earth elements and electrical grid hardware. This deepens China's global economic leverage, challenging the traditional 'petrostate' model. For the United States, the implication is that it must urgently pivot its strategy away from resource dependence and compete effectively in the 'Age of Electricity' to mitigate China's growing geopolitical influence.

    Read at CFR

31. 31.

    How rising electric rates could affect the 2026 midterms (Brookings)

    2026-04-27 | energy | 2026-W17 | Topics: AI, United States, Energy

    Rising electricity costs are emerging as a dominant and bipartisan political issue that will define the 2026 midterms. The primary evidence centers on significant increases in electric rates, which are increasingly linked by the public and politicians to the energy demands of large data centers and tech infrastructure. Strategically, candidates are leveraging public concern over this 'techlash' by proposing tough legislative remedies, such as moratoriums on data centers or implementing 'large load' tariffs. This suggests that political success will hinge on candidates moving beyond general 'affordability' rhetoric and presenting specific, targeted plans to address energy costs and the role of the digital economy.

    Read at Brookings

32. 32.

    What Should Policy Do About Carbon Emissions? (CATO)

    2026-04-27 | energy | 2026-W17 | Topics: Climate, Energy

    The article argues that while carbon emissions are a significant externality, traditional clean energy subsidies are an inefficient 'blunt instrument' because they reduce total energy costs and create distorted incentives. A theoretically superior approach is a Pigouvian carbon tax, as it unambiguously raises the price of carbon-based energy, encouraging efficiency. However, due to the political unpopularity and measurement difficulties of carbon taxes, the authors conclude that the most practical, least harmful policy response may be doing nothing, other than eliminating existing subsidies for carbon-based fuels.

    Read at CATO

33. 33.

    Texas Is Building the Future of Electricity (CATO)

    2026-04-12 | energy | 2026-W15 | Topics: AI, Energy

    Texas's ERCOT grid is uniquely positioned to handle rapid electricity growth, particularly driven by AI data centers, but its traditional interconnection queue is becoming a bottleneck. The article argues that Consumer Regulated Electricity (CRE) is necessary to maintain this momentum by allowing large customers to bypass the queue and build dedicated, off-grid power supplies. This model, which complements the existing grid, enables projects to come online faster, thereby lowering costs, improving reliability, and accommodating the massive new load demands. Policymakers should adopt CRE to ensure regulatory certainty, allowing Texas to continue its rapid development cycle and solidify its role as a major economic power.

    Read at CATO

34. 34.

    Energy Security: Back to the Future (CFR)

    2026-04-12 | energy | 2026-W15 | Topics: AI, China, Climate, Middle East, Nuclear, Trade, United States, Energy

    Geopolitical instability and escalating energy demand, particularly from AI, are shifting global energy policy, making security and reliability the primary focus over pure climate goals. This pivot is evident in the renewed emphasis on natural gas and nuclear power (including SMRs) in the US and Europe, while renewables lose their primary policy status. Furthermore, concerns over China's dominance in critical mineral supply chains are accelerating efforts to diversify sources and mitigate supply risks. Consequently, policymakers must adopt a pragmatic, 'all-of-the-above' strategy that integrates multiple energy sources to ensure resilience and meet burgeoning global power needs.

    Read at CFR

35. 35.

    Profiting from Chaos? Russia’s Energy Windfall from a Fragmented Middle East (Chatham House)

    2026-04-12 | energy | 2026-W15 | Topics: Europe, Middle East, Russia, Trade, Energy

    The conflict in the Middle East, particularly the US-Israeli war against Iran, has created global energy market pandemonium, allowing Russia to capitalize on the instability. This chaos is bolstering Russia's geostrategic position, establishing it as a resilient and indispensable energy supplier capable of easing global price pressures. Consequently, Russia is achieving a significant financial reversal, undermining the effectiveness of synchronized Western sanctions on its oil exports. Policymakers must reassess energy strategies, as Russia's supply remains a critical factor in global stability despite punitive measures.

    Read at Chatham House

36. 36.

    How to keep the Strait of Hormuz open in the long term (Chatham House)

    2026-04-12 | energy | 2026-W15 | Topics: Middle East, Trade, United States, Energy

    The Chatham House analysis concludes that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open long-term requires a diplomatic strategy that makes the waterway's normal operation preferable to Iran's current assertion of control. Since Iran views its leverage as an existential asset, any solution must involve making the regime a direct beneficiary, potentially through structured sanctions relief or joint management ventures. Policy efforts should therefore focus on establishing multilateral, region-specific maritime security protocols—modeled after successful regional patrols—to coordinate law enforcement and build confidence among littoral states, thereby mitigating the risk of conflict.

    Read at Chatham House

37. 37.

    The Iran war has been an economic gift for Putin (Chatham House)

    2026-04-12 | energy | 2026-W15 | Topics: Europe, Middle East, Russia, Trade, Ukraine, Energy

    The conflict in Iran has provided a significant economic windfall for Russia, counteracting the negative effects of Western sanctions and physical damage from Ukrainian strikes. Soaring global energy prices, combined with temporary easing of US sanctions, have boosted Russia's oil and gas export revenues, bolstering its budget and balance of payments. Strategically, this increased revenue stream enhances Russia's capacity to sustain its war effort in Ukraine and grants Putin greater leverage in global energy negotiations, though the benefit remains contingent on Ukraine's inability to disrupt physical export volumes.

    Read at Chatham House

38. 38.

    China Is Planning Decades Ahead on Clean Energy. The U.S. Has Other Priorities. (CFR)

    2026-03-29 | energy | 2026-W13 | Topics: China, Climate, Europe, Middle East, Nuclear, Russia, Trade, United States, Energy

    China's newly approved Five-Year Plan extends its dominance in clean energy technologies—solar, wind, electric vehicles, hydrogen, and fusion—through systematic long-term strategic investment, while the Trump administration prioritizes fossil fuels and abandons international climate commitments. China's planning approach has proven highly effective, quadrupling domestic solar capacity and growing EV market share to over 50% in the past five years, while U.S. renewable investment has collapsed due to inconsistent policy reversals. Beyond energy production, China is investing in climate adaptation and disaster resilience infrastructure, while the U.S. has dismantled federal adaptation programs despite suffering $115 billion in climate damages in 2025. The strategic divergence positions China to capture a growing share of the projected doubling in global renewable energy markets over the coming years.

    Read at CFR

39. 39.

    Qualified Infrastructure Authorization: A Blueprint for Faster, Smarter Federal Permitting (CSIS)

    2026-03-28 | energy | 2026-W13 | Topics: AI, Climate, United States, Energy

    A CSIS report advocates for Qualified Infrastructure Authorization (QIA) to overhaul the U.S. federal permitting system for energy infrastructure, critiquing the current process as overly procedural and delay-prone. QIA proposes a criteria-based approach, utilizing predefined standards, standardized monitoring, and a single, coordinated review process across multiple environmental statutes to accelerate project approvals. This framework aims to reduce current bottlenecks and redundancy by focusing on environmental outcomes and efficiency, rather than protracted procedural compliance. Implementing QIA would require congressional action to establish statutory authority, define eligibility, and authorize a lead agency for consolidated approvals. The initiative seeks to balance the urgent need for infrastructure development with robust environmental protection and public trust.

    Read at CSIS

40. 40.

    Why Iran’s disruption of the Strait of Hormuz matters (Brookings)

    2026-03-28 | energy | 2026-W13 | Topics: Middle East, Trade, United States, Energy

    Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts 20% of global oil and LNG supplies, effectively blocking maritime traffic to near-zero levels. Despite ongoing U.S. military campaigns, Iran maintains defiance with 5,000-6,000 mines and asymmetric naval capabilities, making military escorts prohibitively risky and potentially counterproductive to market confidence. Strategic petroleum reserve releases will only offset 7% of the 15-17% supply loss, while sustained market recovery requires the broader military conflict to end—a timeline neither the U.S. nor Iran controls.

    Read at Brookings

41. 41.

    Iran War Escalates on Energy Front (CFR)

    2026-03-28 | energy | 2026-W13 | Topics: China, Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Nuclear, Taiwan, Trade, United States, Energy

    The conflict in the Middle East has intensified with targeted attacks on natural gas facilities in Iran and Qatar, causing significant disruption and threatening global energy markets. Israel initiated strikes on Iran's South Pars gas field, leading to Iranian retaliation against a Qatari LNG facility and drone attacks on Kuwaiti and Saudi energy infrastructure, which sent oil prices fluctuating. The escalation has prompted the U.S. to attempt stabilization of oil markets and Gulf nations to issue stern warnings, suggesting prolonged geopolitical and economic implications.

    Read at CFR

42. 42.

    The Iran War Is Reshaping Asia’s Energy Security Strategies (CFR)

    2026-03-28 | energy | 2026-W13 | Topics: China, Climate, Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Nuclear, Russia, Trade, Ukraine, United States, Energy

    The Iran War's disruption of oil and LNG supplies is forcing Asian economies dependent on Middle Eastern energy to fundamentally restructure their energy strategies. Across the region, governments are accelerating nuclear energy development (Japan, China, South Korea), re-embracing coal, and exploring renewable expansion, with South Korea even considering breaching its US nuclear agreement to pursue domestic uranium enrichment. While these shifts address long-term security needs, most Asian states face significant near-term economic pain, as alternative energy sources require time to deploy and the critical Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. The crisis reveals Asia's structural energy vulnerabilities and underscores the geopolitical risks of energy insecurity, including potential tensions with security allies and proliferation concerns.

    Read at CFR

43. 43.

    What the Total Energies Deal Means for Energy Investment, Political Risk, and Affordability (CSIS)

    2026-03-28 | energy | 2026-W13 | Topics: Climate, Trade, United States, Energy

    The Trump administration's $1 billion deal with TotalEnergies to abandon offshore wind development in favor of oil and gas investments is significant not for its immediate impact on offshore wind, but for establishing a precedent of executive action that bypasses Congress and courts to unwind private federal contracts. By compensating a company to abandon a federally approved project without clear statutory framework or legal process, the administration introduces political discretion into what was historically a rules-based investment environment, increasing political risk across industries dependent on federal leases. This shift threatens to raise capital costs for infrastructure projects and could slow deployment in critical sectors like mining and LNG that the administration aims to expand. The claimed benefits for domestic energy affordability are contradicted by the deal's mechanics: offshore wind would have provided needed capacity to constrained regional grids, while increased LNG exports would compete with domestic gas supply and potentially raise domestic energy prices.

    Read at CSIS

44. 44.

    Governments Declare Emergency Energy Policies in Response to Iran War (CFR)

    2026-03-28 | energy | 2026-W13 | Topics: Europe, Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Nuclear, Russia, Ukraine, United States, Energy

    The ongoing Iran war is causing severe disruptions in global energy markets, prompting governments and companies worldwide to implement emergency policies. Nations like the Philippines have declared energy emergencies, while Slovenia and Sri Lanka have introduced fuel rationing, and major corporations are facing substantial cost increases and supply chain issues. These widespread economic impacts, including falling stock markets and projected inflation, are driving international diplomatic efforts, such as proposals for summits and peace plans, to stabilize the volatile situation.

    Read at CFR

45. 45.

    Less Foreign Aid, More Climate Risk (Foreign Affairs)

    2026-01-16 | energy | 2026-W03 | Topics: Climate, Energy

    The article argues that escalating climate change poses massive, quantifiable economic risks, making the reduction of foreign aid a dangerous policy choice. Evidence highlights that global losses from natural disasters and climate-related disruptions already run into hundreds of billions of dollars annually, with projections suggesting physical climate risks could consume 3.2% to 5.1% of world GDP by 2050. Consequently, policy must pivot away from simple aid cuts toward strategic, large-scale investments. These investments must prioritize building climate resilience, upgrading critical infrastructure, and establishing robust early warning systems in vulnerable developing nations to mitigate future economic shocks.

    Read at Foreign Affairs

46. 46.

    What Comes Next in Venezuela (Foreign Affairs)

    2026-01-08 | energy | 2026-W02 | Topics: China, Europe, Middle East, Russia, Trade, Ukraine, United States, Energy

    The removal of Nicolás Maduro has created a precarious power vacuum, forcing the Venezuelan regime into an existential dilemma between outright defiance and pragmatic collaboration with the United States. The analysis suggests the regime's primary focus is survival, making the retention of power—rather than democratic reform—its critical 'redline.' While the U.S. demands center on material gains, particularly control over oil resources, the current trajectory risks establishing a semi-colonial state. Consequently, the U.S. strategy is unlikely to yield a long-term political solution, as the opposition remains excluded from any table of negotiation.

    Read at Foreign Affairs