The Transition: Energy & Climate in the U.S.-China Relationship

From energy policy shifts to global currents, this final episode traces the map we charted together–featuring voices and insights that shaped Power Map.

Greece is emerging as a critical energy hub at the intersection of European grid integration, regional stability, and the global energy transition. This week, Joseph and Quill sit down with Georgios Stassis, Chairman and CEO of the Public Power Corporation, Greece's leading electricity producer and supplier. They discuss the enduring value of the transatlantic relationship, the challenge of ensuring energy affordability, and how European utilities are adapting to rapid changes in demand, technology, and geopolitics.

Congress plays a central role in shaping the U.S.'s energy and conservation policies. This week, Joseph and Quill sit down with Rep. Bruce Westerman, representative for Arkansas's 4th congressional district and Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources. Rep. Westerman shares his perspective on the long tradition of conservation in the U.S., the importance of permitting reform to help meet power demand growth, and the need for an all-of-the-above energy approach.

Norway is a global leader in fossil fuel production and clean energy technology deployment. This week, Joseph and Quill sit down with Torgeir Stordal, Director General of the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, where he oversees the responsible development of fossil, wind, mineral, and carbon management resources on the Norwegian continental shelf. They discuss the shifting energy security landscape, the challenges of balancing development with environmental goals, and Norway’s future as an energy-producing nation.

Canada is one of the U.S.’s closest allies and its top trading partner. The U.S. imports more than four million barrels of Canadian crude oil per day, the majority of which come from Alberta. This week, Joseph and Quill sit down with Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, to discuss the province's important position in North American energy production. Premier Smith describes the role of oil and gas in driving economic growth, the challenges posed by shifting U.S. energy policy, and Alberta's efforts to balance energy development with environmental goals.

From record-breaking coal consumption to historic energy transition investment, 2024 was a year of contrasts. This week, Joseph and Quill discuss the major trends shaping the global energy landscape with Nat Bullard, co-founder of Halcyon and Managing Director of Business Climate. Nat shares insights from his annual slide deck, offering a data-driven perspective on the diverse stories unfolding within the energy transition.

Welcome to Power Map—a new podcast from the CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program. Every other week, Joseph and Quill sit down with policymakers, industry experts, and thought leaders who are shaping the future of energy. Stay tuned for the first episode on February 26.

Over the past three months, we have spoken to thought leaders, former government officials, and top journalists about the themes and issues that will shape energy and climate policy under the second Trump Administration. On the final episode of “The Transition”, Joseph and Quill reflect on what we have learned and what is next alongside Clay Seigle, the Energy Security and Climate Change Program’s new senior fellow.

Why did President Trump declare an energy emergency? How will his administration measure success in energy policy in the coming years? This week, Joseph and Quill break down the implications of recent energy orders with Paul Dabbar, Co-founder and CEO of Bohr Quantum Technologies and former Under Secretary for Science at the Department of Energy under the first Trump administration.

Industrial policy has garnered support from both sides of the aisle in recent years. Will tariffs and reshoring efforts bolster U.S. manufacturing or drive up costs and hinder clean energy progress? This week, Joseph and Quill discuss green industrial policy with Oren Cass, founder and chief economist of American Compass, and Jane Flegal, Executive Director of the Blue Horizons Foundation and former Senior Director for Industrial Emissions at the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy under President Biden.