News | May 30, 2022

Energy Industry Study Report

This paper documents a top-level exploration of the global energy industry and its ramifications for the United States’ enduring interests and national security. Prior scholars at National Defense University conducted similar research and documented their results within publicly available reports. Current students examined reports from 2009 and 2018 to find gaps in the research and analyze trends within the energy industry. Previous reports conducted a point-in-time analysis of the energy industry and are therefore ripe for an update.

Over the past three years, the United States has taken steps consistent with many of the recommendations made in 2009 and 2018 (see Appendix A). Additionally, the strategic environment has evolved, requiring additional analysis and recommendations relevant to this industry. The strategic environment has changed drastically since 2018, which has increased the urgency to find solutions and the willingness of US political administrations to invest in solutions. Given the drastic changes in global affairs since 2018, this paper fills a critical gap in the body of knowledge by documenting the energy landscape in 2022 and analyzing it under the lens of the current strategic environment. Finally, the paper identifies current national-security implications and makes new resource-informed policy recommendations.

The methodology used by the team for the research conducted included:

  • In-class guest lectures;
  • Domestic field studies; and
  • A literature review using National Defense University academic resources and the internet.

Read the report →