CSIS Launched New Powering Forward Energy Initiative
The five-year research project explores the intersection of European energy policy, security, and technology.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Energy
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The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has launched the Powering Forward Initiative to examine Europe's role in global energy policy. The project will investigate the complex nexus of energy security, digital transition, and climate goals.
Why it matters
Europe faces mounting pressure from high power costs and supply disruptions alongside the demands of decarbonization and rearmament. This initiative aims to provide policy-relevant scholarship to navigate these transatlantic economic and security challenges.
The Powering Forward Initiative is a five-year research project supported by the PPC Group. It will rely on substantial new research, public conferences, and an annual summit dedicated to European energy security.
The players
Center for Strategic and International Studies
This Washington, DC-based think tank provides strategic insights and policy solutions for global decision-makers.
German Marshall Fund of the United States
This non-partisan organization promotes cooperation between North America and Europe on global challenges.
PPC Group
This entity provides foundational support for the newly launched research project.
The details
Jointly led by the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and the Energy Security and Climate Change Program, the project will facilitate high-level discussions on European energy resilience. The German Marshall Fund of the United States will spearhead the initiative's activities throughout Europe.
Timeline
The Powering Forward Initiative was officially launched on October 5, 2026.
The research project will continue operations through 2031.
The Big Picture
The project follows a model established by the CSIS Energy Security and Climate Change Program to integrate deep technical research with geopolitical analysis. This initiative signals a move toward more cohesive transatlantic strategies regarding long-term energy transition and defense.
The research produced will influence future policy frameworks regarding energy costs and supply chain stability for European markets. These findings may eventually shape the technological requirements for regional decarbonization and power grid updates.
The takeaway
This initiative underscores the critical need for long-term strategic planning to balance immediate security needs with the transition to sustainable power sources. It highlights how transatlantic cooperation is increasingly vital for maintaining economic competitiveness during global energy shifts.
What happens next
The initiative will host an annual conference dedicated to European energy security, with the first event expected to occur in the coming year.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving landscape of international power policy in our Energy section.
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Do you believe international research partnerships are effective at improving national energy security?
