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What’s at Stake in FERC’s Large Load Proposal?

With data center demand surging, FERC’s new large load proposal could redraw the line between federal and state power—and determine how quickly the U.S. grid can absorb AI-driven demand. The outcome may reshape how megawatt-scale loads connect to the grid nationwide.

Critical Questions by Aaron Yang, Ray Cai, Joseph Majkut, and Mathias Zacarias — December 9, 2025

Experts React: Progress and Setbacks at COP30

COP30 showcased noteworthy progress while exposing persistent roadblocks in global climate diplomacy. CSIS experts react to the conference’s most significant outcomes and their implications for the future of climate, energy, health, development, and the COP process at large.

Commentary by Leslie Abrahams, Jane Nakano, Noam Unger, J. Stephen Morrison, Katherine E. Bliss, Mathias Zacarias, Ray Cai, and Alexis Burns — November 25, 2025

Navigating a New Energy Investment Paradigm

Fragmentation, volatility, and scarcity are ushering in a pragmatic new normal, in which low-emission energy and fossil fuels can both be attractive. As state intervention intensifies, proactive and coherent policy is needed to align investment flows with strategic objectives.

Report by Ray Cai — November 13, 2025

Trade Deals and a New Chapter for American Nuclear?

A slew of recently announced trade deals and investment agreements could amount to the most ambitious U.S. government action to support nuclear energy in decades, but key questions remain.

Critical Questions by Ray Cai, Jane Nakano, and Joseph Majkut — November 7, 2025

Next-Generation Geothermal

Next-generation geothermal offers a unique opportunity for renewing U.S. energy leadership. To capitalize on its first-mover advantage and the strategic opening, the United States should proactively spearhead the technology’s international deployment. 

Report by Ray Cai and Rebecca Riess — September 2, 2025

Rethinking U.S. International Energy Finance

The United States needs a coherent international finance strategy that leverages its comparative strengths for emerging markets, where the demand for reliable and affordable energy now lies at the nexus of economic development and geopolitical competition.

Commentary by Ray Cai — June 3, 2025

IRA Tax Credits Are Crucial for U.S. Geothermal Leadership

Next-generation geothermal offers the United States a strategic opportunity for energy innovation leadership. But history shows that consistent and targeted policy support will be critical to reaching scale and commercial competitiveness. 

Commentary by Ray Cai — May 19, 2025

U.S. Low-Carbon Leadership

This brief outlines an aspirational whole-of-government vision to catalyze U.S. low-carbon leadership on the global stage, drawing on insights from three opportunities to deploy U.S. innovations in three emerging markets critical to future energy systems and global emissions.

Brief by Mathias Zacarias, Ray Cai, and Joseph Majkut — March 6, 2025

Experts React: COP29 Highlights, Challenges, and Emerging Trends in Global Climate Policy

COP29 has brought heads of state, climate experts, nongovernmental organizations, and activists to Azerbaijan to assess global climate efforts and discuss opportunities for cooperation. CSIS experts react to some of the conference’s most notable highlights. 

Commentary by Jane Nakano, Noam Unger, Ray Cai, Mathias Zacarias, Wilder Alejandro Sánchez, Quill Robinson, and Zach Slotkin — November 26, 2024