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.
Publisher
Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
37: Diesel Deals and Drone Threats Shape Oil Markets
Geopolitic dynamics continue to shape global oil markets. Yemen’s Houthis have threatened to attack Saudi Aramco facilities, heightening concerns over the security of Middle Eastern oil supplies. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has announced a deal for Russia to immediately supply more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel, as fuel prices remain a contentious issue ahead of America’s midterm elections.
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Abhi Rajendran and Skip York discuss what these recent developments mean for the global energy market.
Featured:
Abhi Rajendran, https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/abhi-rajendran
Skip York, Ph.D., https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/harold-skip-york
Mentioned in this episode:
“Mid-2026 Global Oil Market Outlook: Iran Conflict to Have a Lasting Impact,” in Energy Insights 2026: https://issuu.com/mh183/docs/energy_insights_2026/28
This episode was recorded on Oct. 13, 2026.
You can follow @BakerInstitute and @CES_Baker_Inst on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.
22 Sept 2026
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 questions about grid reliability.
As demand grows, so do concerns about whether the U.S.’ current power system can keep pace. Much of the conversation has focused on building new transmission and generation, including behind-the-meter power. But there is another potential part of the solution: long-duration energy storage.
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” CES experts Gabriel Collins and Peter Hartley sit down with Jon Parrella, CEO of TerraFlow Energy, to discuss how large-scale batteries could help data centers manage volatile power needs, optimize existing grid infrastructure, and provide backup power during periods of grid stress.
This episode was recorded on Aug. 20, 2026.
Follow @BakerInstitute and @CES_Baker_Inst on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.
9 Sept 2026
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 investment, with one stated goal being to fill America’s depleted strategic petroleum reserves. Meanwhile, the demand for petroleum products, especially heating oil, is expected to rise as the colder months approach for those in the Northern H.
In this episode of “The Energy Forum,” Abhi Rajendran and Skip York discuss what these recent developments mean for the global energy market.
Featured:
Abhi Rajendran, https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/abhi-rajendran
Skip York, Ph.D., https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/harold-skip-york
This episode was recorded on Sept. 8, 2026.
You can follow @BakerInstitute and @CES_Baker_Inst on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.
Who has been a guest on The Energy Forum
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Abhi Rajendran
Skip York
Michael Graff
Harold “Skip” York
Rachel Meidl
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YouTube views
3,393,654
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.3 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
3.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 48 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
47
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
31
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