Prepared By: Maram Hijazi
Reporting Period: January 1 – December 31, 2025
Published: March 5, 2026
Shaping the Energy Dialogue
Through forums, summits, and expert convenings, the Center for Energy Studies brings together leaders across industry, policy, and academia to explore critical topics — from sustainability and resilience to minerals, materials, geopolitics, and the future of global energy
Message from the Director
"Realityisabindingconstraint, despiteprognosticationsfromallfronts."
In 2025, I opened with, "Every New Year brings new resolutions and promises of new beginnings " Of course, the bigger the resolution, the more pronounced the new beginnings, so I did not realize how prescient that statement would be
As we step into this year, uncertainty abounds, but so does opportunity. Navigating this new, complex landscape is paramount, and there remains much to do in the dynamic intersection of energy markets, innovation, and policy both domestically and internationally
But, same as it ever was, reality is a binding constraint, despite prognostications from all fronts. So, we look forward to working with you to elevate the day's most pressing issues through rational discourse rooted in fundamentally-sound, data-driven research.
Stay productive and never stop learning.
KennethB. MedlockIII
Kenneth B. Medlock III, Ph.D.
James A Baker, III, and Susan G Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics Senior Director, Center for Energy Studies
Where Rigorous Research Meets Real-World Impact
Founded in 2012, the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy stands as the world's preeminent university-based energy think tank. From its base in Houston the energy capital of the world CES provides critical, data-driven insights on the complex forces reshaping global energy markets.
Through interdisciplinary research across global energy markets, energy security, and emerging energy systems, our fellows and scholars deliver nonpartisan analysis that reaches decision-makers in both the private and public sectors Recognized as a Center of Excellence by the University of Pennsylvania's Global Go To Think Tank Index, CES bridges the gap between academic rigor and actionable policy
USAEE
GLOBAL RANKING TOP ENERGY THINK TANK 3 CONSECUTIVE YEARS
ADELMAN-FRANKEL AWARD RECOGNIZED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO ENERGY ECONOMICS 2012 FOUNDED BUILDING ON BAKER INSTITUTE'S ENERGY PROGRAM LEGACY
Our Vision
To lead the conversation on energy and sustainability through data-driven, non-partisan research and global collaboration
Our Mission
To advance understanding and inform energy policy that promotes economic growth and sustainable outcomes Through interdisciplinary research, policy analysis, and engagement with stakeholders, we strive to foster innovative solutions in the energy sector
Affiliated Fellows and Scholars
FELLOWS
Gabriel Collins, J.D.
Baker Botts Fellow in Energy and Environmental Regulatory Affairs
Mark P. Jones, Ph.D.
Fellow in Political Science; CES Lead, Argentina
Steven W. Lewis, Ph.D.
CV Starr Transnational China Fellow
Kenneth B. Medlock III, Ph.D.
James A Baker, III, and Susan G Baker Fellow in Energy and Resource Economics | CES Senior Director
Francisco J Monaldi, Ph D
Wallace S Wilson Fellow in Latin American Energy Policy
RICE FACULTY SCHOLARS
Pedro Alvarez, Ph.D.
George R. Brown Prof. of Engineering
Daniel S. Cohan, Ph.D.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Peter R Hartley, Ph D
George A Peterkin Professor of Economics
Ted Loch-Temzelides, Ph.D.
Mitchell Prof. in Sustainable Development
Edward M. Emmett, M.P.A. Fellow in Energy and Transportation Policy
Jim Krane, Ph.D. Diana Tamari Sabbagh Fellow in Middle East Energy Studies
Michael D. Maher, Ph.D. Chief of Research Operations, CES
Rachel A. Meidl, LP.D., CHMM Fellow in Energy and Sustainability; CES Deputy Director
Tilsa Oré Mónago, Ph D Fellow in Political Science; CES Lead, Latin American Markets
Jim Blackburn, J.D. Environmental Law
Mahmoud A. El-Gamal, Ph.D. Chair in Islamic Economics, Finance & Mgmt
Cin-Ty Lee, Ph D Chair, Earth, Env & Planetary Sciences
Caroline A. Masiello, Ph.D. Biogeochemistry
DIRECTOR'S COUNCIL FELLOWS
Felipe Bayón
Nonresident Fellow, CES Director's Council
Mark Finley, MA, MS
Nonresident Fellow, CES Director's Council
Michał Kurtyka, Ph.D.
Nonresident Fellow, CES Director's Council
Scott Nyquist, MBA
Nonresident Fellow, CES Director's Council
Deborah Byers, CPA
Nonresident Fellow, CES Director's Council
Michael Graff, MS
Nonresident Fellow, CES Director's Council
Steven Miles, JD, MBA
Nonresident Fellow, CES Director's Council
NONRESIDENT FELLOWS & SCHOLARS
Mark Agerton, Ph D
Raúl Bajo Buenestado, Ph.D.
Regina M. Buono, Ph.D.
Aldo Flores-Quiroga, Ph.D.
Tomás González, Ph.D.
David R Mares, Ph D
Todd Moss, Ph D
Abhi Rajendran, MS
Hardeep Singh, M.D.
Salem Alhajraf, Ph D
Roberto Brandt
Julie A. Cohn, Ph.D.
Jimmy Glotfelty
Henry Haggard, MSS
Lourdes Melgar, Ph D
Kelly Neill, Ph D
Juan Rosellón, Ph.D.
Harold 'Skip' York, Ph.D.
FELLOWS AND SCHOLARS
Osamah Alsayegh, Ph D
Christopher Bronk, Ph.D.
Jackie deGroot
Binlei Gong, Ph.D.
Osmel Manzano, Ph.D.
Anna B Mikulska, Ph D
Luis A Pacheco, Ph D
Bob Scher
Ashley Zumwalt-Forbes, MBA
Spanning energy economics, geopolitics, sustainability, infrastructure, law, national security, and public policy
Research & Administrative Staff
The Center for Energy Studies team supports CES fellows and scholars in producing rigorous, data-driven analysis on global energy markets, policy, and geopolitics, and manages research operations, development, communications, and outreach.
RESEARCH TEAM
Miaomiao Rimmer, MA CES Research Manager
Bezaye G. Tessema, Ph.D.
Visiting Postdoctoral Scholar
Mette Taber, MA Research Associate
Erin Turner, MS Research Associate
2024–25 GRADUATE STUDENTS & POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS
John Coudsi Graduate Student
Stan Kannegieter Graduate Student
David Matias-Garcia Graduate Student
Han Yan, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Laura Grobe, MIA
CES Communications Specialist
Christene Kimmel, MIB Chief of Development and Outreach
Melissa Vossler Chief of Administration
Orlando Di Leo Graduate Student
Joon Ha Kim Graduate Student
Percy Xie Graduate Student
Maram Hijazi CES Communications Specialist
Michael D Maher, Ph D Chief of Research Operations
Training Future Energy Leaders
Peter Hartley Future Energy Leaders
The Peter Hartley Future Energy Leaders program is a Center for Energy Studies initiative that connects graduate students with distinguished energy industry leaders through an intimate speaker series Through this program, CES brings executives, diplomats, and strategists to the Baker Institute to share firsthand insights on the forces shaping energy markets, policy, and innovation.
HOW IT WORKS
1 Learn Industry leaders share career journeys and insights
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Sid Bhattacharya Fmr. VP Digital & Technology, Weatherford
Michael Graff, MS Fmr CEO, Air Liquide
Carla Lacerda President, BRATECC
Shree Vikas Dir , Market Intelligence, ConocoPhillips
2 Engage Students participate in candid Q&A sessions
3 Connect Intimate setting fosters meaningful dialogue
Deborah Byers, CPA Fmr. Partner & U.S. Energy Leader, EY
Henry Haggard, MSS Fmr U S State Dept Diplomat
Chris Powers Dir , Exploration, Chevron
Harold 'Skip' York, Ph.D. Fmr Economist, ExxonMobil, BHP
Named in honor of Professor Peter Hartley, CES
Lead, Electricity
Open to all Rice University Graduate Students ·
Held throughout the academic year · In-person at the Baker Institute
Events & Events & Engagements Engagements
A Year of Impact
300+
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS 950+
PRIVATE MEETINGS
25+
COUNTRIES ENGAGED
130 PUBLICATIONS & BRIEFS
KEY EVENTS & CONFERENCES
Apr 22 Sustainability Summit: Building a Resilient Energy and Materials Future
Jun 5 Minerals, Metals, and Mining What the Public Needs to Know
Jul 22 2025 Statistical Review of World Energy
Aug 28 Powering the Energy Future (with University of Oklahoma)
Oct 7–8 Annual Energy Summit Resilience in Energy Supply Chains
Oct 15 COP30 in the Amazon: A Strategic Dialogue for Climate Action
PRIVATE MEETING BREAKDOWN
Research & Academic
Industry
Prospective Partners
Gov't & Policymakers
Int'l Delegations
COUNTRIES ENGAGED
ENERGY SUMMIT
Resilience in Energy Supply Chains
October 7–8, 2025 | James A Baker III Hall | Co-hosted with Baker Botts
563 REGISTERED ATTENDEES
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Musaab M Al-Mulla Saudi Aramco
Dave Berry
Cloverleaf Infrastructure
Brad Crabtree
ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions
Thad Hill Calpine
Michał Kurtyka, Ph.D.
Fmr Minister of Climate, Poland
Amb. David Satterfield Baker Institute
Jonathan Smith GeoFrame Energy
Davis Thames Western LNG
1,600
YOUTUBE LIVE VIEWERS
Scott Atha Pembina Pipeline
Leslie Beyer US Dept of Interior
Danny David, J.D. Baker Botts
Vibhu Kaushik Amazon Web Services
Kenneth B. Medlock III, Ph.D. Baker Institute
Rob Schwiers Chevron
Ryan Sweet Oxford Economics
Scott Tinker, Ph.D. Tinker Energy Associates
Two days · 12+ sessions · 40+ speakers · Keynotes, panels & fireside chats
Topics: Supply chain resilience, LNG markets, carbon capture, grid reliability,
12+
EXPERT PANEL SESSIONS
Jason Bennett, J D Baker Botts
Michael Cohen bp
Ahmed El Sherbiny, Ph.D. Copenhagen Infra Partners
Borislava Kostova, Ph.D. Honeywell UOP
Paul Perea White Water Midstream
Adam Sieminski KAPSARC
Rick Tallant Shell
Tony White Siemens Industry
Podcasts, Media Mentions, and Social Media
The Energy Forum Podcast & Social Media
Hosted by experts at the Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to explore key topics in energy and sustainability 23 PUBLISHED EPISODES
FEATURED EPISODES Oil Market Outlook 2026
Abhi
Rajendran, MS & Skip York, Ph D
Rachel Meidl & Peylina Chu
Ed Emmett & Michael Graff
04
Data & Research Data & Research
Visualizations Visualizations
Interactive Tools, Dashboards, and Infographics
Data & Research Visualizations
Interactive dashboards and infographics investigating drivers of energy market evolution, including market design, policy, technology, sustainability, resilience, and geopolitics
INTERACTIVE DASHBOARDS & TOOLS
Energy Infrastructure & Politics in North America
Geospatial nexus of energy, environment, policy, and society
Natural Disaster Resilience
Demographics and historical disaster records with urban expansion
Energy Infrastructure & Politics in Europe
Europe's energy infrastructure, demographics, and political landscape
Energy's Balancing Act
Multidimensionality of tradeoffs in energy production
China Energy & Infrastructure Map
13+ interactive layers: oil, gas, nuclear, solar, wind, hydro
Carbon Capture in Texas
CCUS technologies deployment and policy developments
Electricity in Texas
Texas electricity market, generation mix, demand, and grid info
Global Minerals Trade Dashboard
Raw materials sources, destinations, top importers and exporters
Flagship Publications
Two landmark publications anchored the Center's 2025 research output, delivering actionable analysis to policymakers, industry leaders, and the global energy community
Energy and Resilience: Policy Briefs 2025
Released June 2025
Twelve briefs outlining practical strategies to strengthen U.S. resilience, energy security, and global competitiveness
12
Policy Briefs
12 Contributing Fellows
G
LO B A L R E AC H
Readership & Global Impact
Energy Insights 2025
Published October 2025
CES fellows examine critical themes shaping global energy from AI and data centers to LNG, minerals, and geopolitics
20 Research Briefs
20 Fellows & Scholars
Both flagship publications attracted a worldwide readership, demonstrating the Center's expanding global influence
8,209 IMPRESSIONS COMBINED TOTALS
4,486 READS
769 DOWNLOADS
Research Areas and 2025 Publications
CES Programs
CES fellows and scholars work across programmatic strengths in an interdisciplinary manner, aiming to elevate discourse and achieve workable, scalable solutions for the most challenging questions facing society and the energy landscape today.
REGIONAL PROGRAMS
Asia
Energy policy, trade, and geopolitics across East and Southeast Asia Europe European energy infrastructure, demographics, and transition policies
Middle East Energy and geopolitics in the Gulf states, MENA region dynamics
MARKETS, TECHNOLOGY, AND SUPPLY CHAINS
Electricity
Reliability, market design, grid evolution, AI and data center demand
Minerals & Materials
Materials transitions
Natural Gas / LNG LNG markets, methane emissions, trade dynamics, US export policy
Sustainability & Resilience
Waste circularity CO₂
Oil
North America
US and Canadian energy policy, ERCOT, grid reliability
Market evolution, OPEC+ dynamics, security of supply, decarbonization
Transportation
Transport corridors links to
Latin America
Energy policy, hydrocarbon and critical mineral supply chains
Innovation
R&D, tech adoption, emerging technologies, carbon-to-value, nuclear
130 Publications in 2025
Corporate Membership
The Center for Energy Studies Energy Forum convenes private-sector leaders and decision-makers across government, nongovernmental organizations, and academia to provide data-driven, nonpartisan insights on the role of economics, policy, and regulation in the performance and evolution of energy markets.
The Energy Forum membership program includes more than 30 companies from industries supporting energy supply chains worldwide Through the guiding principle: "Elevate, don't advocate," CES provides members with comprehensive, objective analysis
BENEFITS OF ENERGY FORUM MEMBERSHIP
Fellow Briefings
One-on-one discussions led by CES fellows tailored to your company ' s interests
Student Engagement
Opportunities to speak to Rice students and mentor emerging energy leaders
Annual Energy Summit
50+ Annual Events
Research workshops, policy discussions, roundtables, and convenings worldwide
Podcast & Media
Participate in The Energy Forum Podcast and collaborate on thought leadership
Open exclusively to the energy community with priority access for Energy Forum members The 9th summit was held in October 2025: "Resilience in Energy Supply Chains "
PROGRAMMATIC GIVING
Energy Forum membership is also available through directed programmatic gifts CES has a programmatic focus on regional developments Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, Middle East, and Africa as well as topical and commodity market developments. Programmatic gifts support expanding the research portfolio of specific programs and provide an opportunity to engage directly with fellows and scholars. CES research remains independent, datadriven, and rooted in fundamental analysis.
Current Members
The Energy Forum of the Center for Energy Studies would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support of our research and publication initiatives
DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE
ADVISORY
Kenneth B. Medlock III, Ph.D., Senior Director,
Looking Forward to 2026
As we enter 2026, the Center for Energy Studies remains committed to providing rigorous, data-driven insights on the evolving energy landscape Our research agenda will continue to address the most pressing questions facing policymakers, industry leaders, and the public.
2026 RESEARCH PRIORITIES
AI & Grid Reliability
Examining the intersection of artificial intelligence, data center growth, and electricity grid resilience across Texas and beyond.
Global LNG Markets
Continued analysis of US export dynamics, European energy security, and Asian demand trajectories through 2050
Critical Minerals
Expanding research on supply chain vulnerabilities, geopolitical competition, and essential minerals and materials.
Future of National Oil Companies
Initial focus on Latin America Monitoring developments in Brazil, Guyana, Argentina, and Venezuela as the region's production landscape evolves
Primary Energy Outlooks
Scenarios based perspective on the future of global energy by country and region.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Future of Plastics
Examining the role of policy frameworks and regulatory harmonization to achieving scale in advancing circular solutions
Center for Energy Studies
Elevating the dialogue around energy policy through rigorous, data-driven research and nonpartisan analysis.
James