Energy Strategy & Foreign Policy

The following article is based on research conducted under the State Department’s Title VIII Fellowship, for the Black Sea Program at MEI. During summer 2024, the author traveled to Baku and Karabakh and interviewed 15 policymakers from various government ministries, the private sector, academia, the parliament, and energy agencies. Azerbaijan …

In the run-up to the next U.S. presidential elections, energy security is becoming an increasingly important issue. Candidates’ suggested methods for improving energy security are being closely examined as they present their energy agendas. While some place greater emphasis on attaining energy independence, others give priority to more general goals …

The United Arab Emirates has decided to leverage its immense wealth to bring about a green revolution, but staying the path will require an enduring commitment. As increasingly devastating climate events underline the need to transition away from fossil fuels, the rapid and sustainable development of renewable energy resources has …

On July 21, 2024, Baghdad inaugurated a new power line connecting Turkey and Iraq to handle Turkish electricity imports. This 115-kilometer (71-mile) transmission line is expected to deliver 300 megawatts of energy to a power station west of Mosul with the aim of supplying northern Iraq, including the regions of Nineveh, Salahuddin, and …

Dr. Umud Shokri,Dr. Serhat Suha Cubukcuoglu,Sultan AlRubaei Amidst rising tensions and disruptions to maritime trade along the Mediterranean-Indian Ocean route, another trade corridor that roughly coincides with the ancient Silk Road has once again heightened in importance: The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), is …

Iran has realized the value of its vast renewable energy potential—but serious international and institutional obstacles threaten to derail Tehran’s green energy plans before they gain momentum. Although Iran is one of the world’s largest producers of fossil fuels, the Islamic Republic has increasingly focused on renewable energy to address its growing …

Historically reliant on its abundant gas and oil resources, Azerbaijan is currently experiencing a significant energy transition aimed at enhancing sustainability and broadening its energy composition. The country has made large investments in hydroelectric, solar, and wind power to meet its ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewable energy …

Iran’s mismatch between energy supply and consumption has led to industrial power outages and blackouts for residential users, leading to increased poverty, economic losses and social unrest. The mismatch between energy production and consumption in Iran has made it difficult for the government to provide power to different users. As …

Both the United States and the European Union have expressed interest in constraining Iran’s nuclear program—but negotiations are fraught with risk, and require a willing partner in Tehran in order to achieve real progress. With the signing of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran agreed to suspend its nuclear …

Iran says it will produce 4m bpd Sceptics say it is an election ploy Exports using a ‘shadow fleet’ Iran has said it intends to raise its oil output to 4 million barrels per day from about 3.5 million bpd currently. Industry experts are sceptical about Tehran’s ambitions and say …