The Energy Forum
Hosted by experts at the Center for Energy Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, The Energy Forum brings together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to explore key topics in energy and sustainability. Each episode features in-depth conversations about current energy challenges, policy developments, and innovative solutions. The podcast aims to inform public discourse with evidence-based analysis and expert perspectives.
Episodes
36: Can Batteries Help Power the AI Energy Demand?
On Aug. 20, the Center for Energy Studies and the Energy Institute at the Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma hosted a joint conference on “Energy, Technology, and Grid Resilience.” At the conference, fellows joined industry leaders and policymakers to examine how the rapid growth of data centers and artificial intelligence is reshaping electricity demand and raising new questi
35: Hormuz Closures, Venezuela’s New Plan, and Oil’s Uncertain Path
The global oil market continues to be volatile. Tensions between Iran and the United States persist, driving economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The Strait of Hormuz’s intermittent closures not only have led to a lower available oil supply but also have reduced its reliability as a route for shipping. Recently, the Trump administration announced a new plan to open Venezuelan oil fields to inves
From Baker Briefing: Unpacking Venezuela’s Opaque Oil Deal
A recently announced deal between the U.S. and Venezuela to produce 65 billion barrels of oil – roughly a fifth of Venezuela’s total proven oil reserves – has raised questions about its terms.
A single Latin American company, NABEP, run by Venezuelan executive Alejandro Betancourt, has been tapped to produce the oil, with part of the company being potentially owned by the U.S. Department of Defens
34: Thinking Big With Small Reactors
Small modular reactors, or SMRs, are attracting growing interest as a potential source of reliable, lower-carbon electricity for industries, data centers, and countries that may not need, or be able to finance, a large conventional nuclear plant. Turning that potential into real-world projects, however, requires more than innovative reactor designs—it depends on financing, manufacturing, regulatio
33: Why Oil Markets Bounced Back
Oil markets have experienced significant volatility across much of July, particularly after the dissolution of a ceasefire between Iran and the U.S., which temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz. The resumption of conflict — Iranian strikes on vessels transiting the strait, Houthi threats to vessels attempting to transit the Bab el-Mandeb Strait from the Red Sea, the reimposition of the U.S. b
32: From Mechanical to Molecular: What ‘Advanced Recycling’ Actually Means
The Center for Energy Studies recently hosted its second annual sustainability summit, bringing together experts to examine sustainability challenges from a systems-level perspective.
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Rachel A. Meidl is joined by two speakers from the summit: Marco Castaldi, professor at City College of New York and cochair of the Recycling Science Council, and Katherine Hof
31: How the Strait of Hormuz’s Closure Could Reshape the Oil Market
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz led to months of volatility in the oil market, but a new memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offered the first signs of a path toward stability. However, short-term risks for the oil market remain as a broader peace deal is discussed, and long-term questions are emerging as global suppliers and consumers seek to prevent a similar shock
30: Beyond Recycling: The Global Systems Behind E-Waste
In this episode, Rachel A. Meidl is joined by Natalie Messer Betts, vice president of sustainability at the Recycled Materials Association (REMA), to discuss the growing challenge of discarded electronics — from phones and laptops to data center equipment and medical devices. They explore why the term “e-waste” can be misleading, how reuse and refurbishment can provide greater environmental benefi
From 'Baker Briefing': Why the Middle East Oil Shock Is Raising Gas Prices
As conflict and instability in the Middle East continue to shape global energy markets, Americans are beginning to feel the effects far beyond the gas pump. Host David M. Satterfield speaks with energy experts Kenneth B. Medlock III and Mark Finley about why oil prices react so sharply to geopolitical shocks. They discuss how those shifts ripple through airline fares, travel costs, inflation, and
From 'Baker Briefing': Inside Guyana’s Energy Strategy with President Mohamed Irfaan Ali
Guyana sits at the center of one of the fastest energy expansions in the world — at a moment when geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, and market volatility are reshaping global energy systems in real time. But rapid growth brings difficult questions: What are the risks, tradeoffs, and strategies behind turning a historic resource boom into lasting national development?
During a visit to Ric
From 'Baker Briefing': President of Guyana Mohamed Irfaan Ali Explains the Nation’s Energy Boom
Guyana, on the northern coast of South America, has become one of the fastest-growing energy producers in the world. Since oil production began in 2019, the country has quickly emerged as a major force in global energy markets, at a time when geopolitical tensions and market volatility are reshaping the global energy landscape.
During a visit to Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
26: Live from CERAWeek: Latin America’s Growing Role in Global Oil Markets
Recorded live at CERAWeek in Houston, this episode of The Energy Forum features Kenneth B. Medlock III in conversation with Francisco J. Monaldi on the forces reshaping oil markets across Latin America. They examine Venezuela’s changing outlook after Maduro’s capture, the investment prospects ahead, and how countries like Brazil, Guyana, Argentina, and Bolivia are redefining the region’s role in g
25: Strait of Hormuz Disruption: What It Means for Oil Prices and Global Supply
Tensions in the Middle East are reshaping global energy markets, and the impacts are already being felt.
In this episode of The Energy Forum, Abhi Rajendran, Skip York, and Kristian Coates Ulrichsen break down the latest developments around the Strait of Hormuz and what they mean for oil supply, global trade, and energy security. As supply chains tighten and demand rises heading into summer, this
From 'Baker Briefing': Inside the Iran War’s Impact on Global Energy Markets
The conflict in Iran is sending shock waves through global energy markets, tightening supplies, driving up prices, and placing energy security at the center of strategic and economic considerations.
On this episode of “Baker Briefing,” Ambassador David M. Satterfield, director of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, and Kenneth B. Medlock III, director of the Baker Institute Center
24: Global Oil Markets 2026: Iran Conflict, Venezuela Supply, and Rising Prices
In this episode of The Energy Forum, Abhi Rajendran and Skip York unpack the latest developments discussed at the Center for Energy Studies’ Oil Market Roundtable. The conversation examines how tensions involving Iran, evolving policy in Venezuela, and disruptions across global energy trade are influencing oil prices and market expectations.
They also explore the emerging divide between sanctioned
From 'Baker Briefing': What the U.S. Strikes on Iran Mean for Global Energy Markets
The United States has launched strikes on Iran — and global energy markets are already reacting. How far could this escalation reach, from the Strait of Hormuz to gasoline prices and electricity bills here at home?
Ambassador David Satterfield, director of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, is joined by Ken Medlock, director of the Center for Energy Studies, to unpack the energy
23: Saudi Arabia Scales Back Vision 2030 Megaprojects, Shifts Focus to AI and Energy
Nearly a decade into Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s diversification drive is entering a more constrained phase: some initiatives are moving ahead, while others are being resized, delayed, or quietly shelved.
In this episode of ”The Energy Forum,“ host Jim Krane (Diana Tamari Sabbagh Fellow in Middle East Energy Studies) speaks with Karen Elliott House (journalist, author, and former managing editor a
22: Training Energy Leaders: Inside the CES Graduate Fellowship
In this episode of The Energy Forum, host Michael Maher sits down with former CES Graduate Student Luke Min, who now works at ExxonMobil and current doctoral fellow Stan Kannegieter to discuss what it’s like pursuing a PhD through Rice University’s Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies (CES).
They explain how the program blends rigorous academic training with real-world application, and how wo
21: AI-Driven Energy Growth and Its Impact on Water Resources
Artificial intelligence, data centers, and industrial growth are driving a new wave of electricity demand, while also placing growing pressure on water systems that underpin energy and infrastructure development.
In this special cross-posted episode from "Talking Under Water," hosted by Bob Crossen of Endeavor Business Media, Gabriel Collins of the Center for Energy Studies at the Baker Institute
20: Oil Markets in 2026: Venezuela, Iran, and What Comes Next for Global Supply
Oil markets are entering 2026 with rising geopolitical risk and an uneasy global supply balance. In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Abhi Rajendran and Skip York break down what recent political developments in Venezuela and Iran could mean for crude oil production, prices, and long-term investment decisions.
This episode provides a timely look at where oil markets may be headed, what could tig
19: Oil Market Outlook 2026: OPEC+, Geopolitics, and Price Risk
Oil markets are heading into 2026 with more uncertainty than prices suggest.
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Abhi Rajendran and Skip York discuss why oil prices have remained resilient despite apparent oversupply. They examine OPEC+ supply discipline, non-OPEC production growth, China’s oil stockpiling, and what these forces mean for market balance.
The conversation also explores geopolitic
18: What Is the Future of Hydrogen as a Fuel?
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” energy and transportation policy fellow Ed Emmett talks with Michael Graff, former chairman and CEO of American Air Liquide, about hydrogen’s past, present, and future. Together, they explore how this versatile fuel fits into today’s energy transition and what it will take to make it a truly global solution.
This conversation was recorded on Oct. 29, 2025.
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17: Oil Markets: Resilience, Risks, and What’s Next
Nonresident fellows Abhi Rajendran of Energy Intelligence and Skip York of Turner Mason & Co. joined “The Energy Forum” to examine the state of global oil markets in 2025. Drawing on themes from the Annual Energy Summit (Panel: 1:15:49 – 2:20:39) and the latest “Energy Insights” report, they discuss market flexibility, risk premiums, shale’s slowdown, and what to watch as prices test new lows
16: Students in Energy: Building Careers for a Changing Industry
The energy sector is evolving fast, and so are the opportunities for the next generation. In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Michael Maher, chief of research operations at the Center for Energy Studies, and Nicole Van Den Heuvel, associate dean of students and executive director of Rice University’s Center for Career Development, explore how students are preparing for careers across oil and ga
15: Resilient Supply Chains and the Future of Oil Markets
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Center for Energy Studies nonresident fellows Abhi Rajendran, director of oil markets research at Energy Intelligence, and Skip York, energy economist and industry strategist, explore why markets look more resilient today than a decade ago, how supply chains have adapted, and the signals to watch as we move toward 2026.
This year’s Energy Summit, which the B
14: Advanced Recycling: Potential, Controversy, and the Future of Plastics (Part 2)
This is Part 2 of our deep dive into the world of advanced recycling. In this episode, Rachel Meidl continues her conversation with Marco Castaldi, professor of chemical engineering at the City College of New York, to examine the science and policy landscape shaping the future of plastic waste management.
They unpack the major categories of advanced recycling and explore why these technologies are
13: Advanced Recycling: Potential, Controversy, and the Future of Plastics (Part 1)
Despite decades of effort, only about 9% of plastic waste is successfully recycled. The vast majority ends up in landfills or incinerators. In Part 1 of this two-part episode of “The Energy Forum,” Rachel Meidl is joined by Marco Castaldi, professor of chemical engineering at the City College of New York, to unpack the complex world of advanced recycling, also known as chemical or molecular recycl
12: 2025 Oil Prices and Demand Outlook: OPEC+, Shale, and Global Supply Trends
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” we explore what’s shaping the global oil market as we head into the second half of 2025 and beyond. Center for Energy Studies nonresident fellows Abhi Rajendran and Skip York break down why oil demand surprised to the upside in early 2025, how OPEC+ is phasing out production cuts, and why non-OPEC supply growth is slowing. They examine the factors influ
11: Can Hospitals Be Sustainable? Rethinking Plastics in Health Care
The health care sector produces a significant amount of plastic waste, much of it non-contaminated and potentially recyclable. In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Rachel Meidl, deputy director of the Center for Energy Studies and fellow in energy and sustainability, speaks with Peylina Chu, steering committee chair at the CPHI Sustainability Collective and former executive director of the H
10: Texas Grid Evolution and Its Intersection with Hurricanes, Demand Growth, and Resilience
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Ken Medlock sits down with Julie Cohn, a Center for Energy Studies (CES) nonresident scholar and research historian, and Miaomiao Rimmer, CES research manager, to explore how the Texas electric grid is adapting to compounding risks from storms, demand growth, and new technologies. They trace the evolution of ERCOT, unpack the dynamics of solar inverters
9: The Israel-Iran Conflict and Oil Market Uncertainty
Conflict in the Middle East is shaking the global oil market. In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Abhi Rajendran, a nonresident fellow at the Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies and director of research and advisory at Energy Intelligence, speaks with Skip York, a Center for Energy Studies nonresident fellow and expert in global market dynamics and upstream strategy, about how escalating
8: The Future of Critical Minerals and Materials
This episode of “The Energy Forum” takes a deep dive into critical minerals and materials geoeconomics, a space where national security, industrial policy, and global competition intersect.
Featuring Michelle Michot Foss, Baker Institute fellow in energy, minerals, and materials; Gabriel Collins, the institute’s Baker Botts Fellow in Energy and Environmental Regulatory Affairs; and Vinod
7: The Challenges and Opportunities of Medical Plastic Waste Management
Medical plastic waste is a growing environmental and public health concern, yet only a small percentage is recycled, with the majority ending up in landfills or incinerators.
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Rachel Meidl, Center for Energy Studies deputy director and fellow in energy and sustainability at the Baker Institute, sits down with Linette Leadon, director of environmental hea
6: The Role of Ammonia in the Future of Fuels
Can ammonia be the next big fuel for transportation?
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Ed Emmett sits down with Joel Moser, chief executive officer of First Ammonia LLC, to explore the potential of ammonia as a scalable, low-carbon energy source. They discuss the technology behind ammonia fuel, its advantages over other alternatives, and the hurdles that must be overcome for widespread a
5: Exploring the Future of the Middle East Energy Transition (Part 2)
In Part 2 of their two-part discussion, Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies experts Jim Krane, Osamah Alsayegh, and Salem Alhajraf continue to explore the evolving energy landscape of the Middle East. They further examine the region’s approach to balancing economic growth with environmental priorities, assess OPEC’s evolving role in global energy markets, and explore the long-term economic
4: Exploring the Future of the Middle East Energy Transition (Part 1)
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies experts Jim Krane, Osamah Alsayegh, and Salem Alhajraf explore the dynamic energy landscape of the Middle East. Together, they examine how the region balances economic growth with environmental priorities, the influence of OPEC on global energy markets, and the economic impacts of Kuwait’s heavily subsidized electr
3: Securing Texas’ Future Through Smart Water Investments
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” we delve into a pivotal report authored by Gabriel Collins, Baker Botts Fellow in Energy and Environmental Regulatory Affairs at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, and commissioned by Texas 2036. The study outlines the immense economic risks posed by prolonged droughts and emphasizes the critical need for strategic investments in water inf
2: The Future of Fuels
In this episode of The Energy Forum, we tackle the future of fuel in two essential sectors of the global economy: trucking and air transport. These industries are vital for moving goods and people worldwide but also have high fuel demands and significant emissions. As climate goals and regulatory pressures intensify, how are these sectors evolving to meet the demand for greener, more sustainable e
1: Minerals and Materials Challenges for Our Energy Future
In this episode, we dive into the world of mining, minerals, and materials and explore the critical role they play in the evolving energy system. With the rapid increase in demand for new energy technologies, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicles, the need for essential minerals and materials is rising significantly. But with this growing demand comes a host of challenges — in
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