The Center for Energy Science & Policy (CESP)

Renewable Energy in Mexico: Policy Challenges and Solutions

By Hannah Townley

Mexico’s energy policy landscape is shaped by a historial dependence on fossil fuels, intersections of political corruption and resource extractivism highlighting the unsustainablity of a petroleum-driven economy. But the country’s abundant natural resources, particular wind and solar capacity, are an opportunity for a more equitable energy future, particularly for rural and indigenous communities. This paper outlines the history of Mexico’s energy sector, and the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of a clean energy transition.

Energy, Authority, and Opportunity: Somalia’s Path to Energy Resilience

By Chris Johnson

This work examines Somalia’s energy sector, emphasizing its vast yet underutilized renewable energy potential in solar and wind amid chronic insecurity and institutional fragility. I argue that Somalia’s key obstacles are not technological but institutional, and explore several policy options including regulatory reform, strategic mineral development, and decentralized energy investment to build a more resilient energy future.

Power and Paradox: How Corruption and Political Risk Undermine Nigeria’s Energy Development

By Noah Mulligan

My paper explores how corruption and political risk have prevented Nigeria from translating its vast oil, gas, and renewable energy resources into reliable electricity access for its population. Despite recent policy reforms, institutional weaknesses, elite capture, and regulatory failures continue to undermine energy development and investor confidence. The paper analyzes these challenges and proposes governance, anti-corruption, and investment reforms to support a more equitable and sustainable energy future for Nigeria.

Powering Progress: Addressing Energy Access and Clean Energy Transition in Kenya

By Caleb Dawson

This paper analyzes Kenya’s clean energy sector by examining rural electrification challenges, institutional and regulatory weaknesses, and the need for a climate-resilient and socially equitable energy transition. It offers targeted policy recommendations to expand access, modernize infrastructure, and strengthen accountability to ensure Kenya’s continued leadership in renewable energy is inclusive and sustainable.

Climate Lawsuits and Regulatory Restrictions Hobble America’s Climate Leadership

By: Ambassador (ret) Richard Kauzlarich, CESP Co-director This blog item expands on an opinion piece that appeared in the International Business Times on August 28, […]

Review of Windfall: How the New Energy Abundance Upends Global Politics and Strengthens America’s Power by Meghan O’Sullivan

By: Rachel Hobbs, Lauren Hawley and Daniel O’Connell, GMU Student Contributors

Meghan O’Sullivan’s book “Windfall: How the New Energy Abundance Upends Global Politics and Strengthens America’s Power” (2017) discusses how countries around the world are anticipated to change their strategic interests in the new era of energy abundance marked by the boom in oil and gas production from unconventional oil.