Energy Security & Resilience
Global research and analysis on energy risks ranging from climate change to resource competition to population and demand growth to governance and infrastructure investment
Global research and analysis on energy risks ranging from climate change to resource competition to population and demand growth to governance and infrastructure investment
Nearly two billion people around the world live in areas and regions that suffer from conflict violence and instability. As we design new energy systems in the developing world, there are energy security and resilience challenges unique to each local environment. This is also true in developed nations that are now going through energy transitions and are creating infrastructure with new renewable energy options. The optimal electrification mix is sensitive to each local environment.
The Payne Institute is recognizing these sensitivities by connecting the breadth of engineering experience across the energy system at the Colorado School of Mines with the public policy world making decisions on energy infrastructure. By taking a comprehensive look at environmental, economic, political and other elements in each local environment, The Payne Institute is supporting the design and creation of secure and resilient energy systems throughout the globe.
NEWS
Could peace be closer than we think? 6/9/2025
Could peace be closer than we think?
Payne Institute Fellow Noé van Hulst writes about how fossil fuel revenues fueled warfare in Ukraine and the Middle-East, despite the sanctions on Russia and Iran. Although the EU continues to discuss more stringent sanctions on Russia, there is a more silent, and perhaps more effective, force at work that may well undermine the engine of warfare: the trend of declining prices of oil and natural gas. Let’s dive a bit deeper into this trend. June 9, 2025.
The Quantum Imperative 6/2/2025
The Quantum Imperative
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian writes about how quantum is critical to US tech leadership—ignoring it risks economic, scientific, and national security setbacks. The tip of the spear for technological dominance in the battle between the United States and China is not limited to AI, but in the future application of quantum physics to computing, measurement, and communications. June 2, 2025.
Can Colorado better source, produce rare earth minerals? 5/26/25
Can Colorado better source, produce rare earth minerals?
Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Ian Lange contributes on this article about President Donald Trump’s recent policy directives to cut the cord between China and the U.S. for rare earth minerals triggered by China’s retaliatory cut-off of certain critical minerals put a spotlight on the United State’s near-total dependence on China for minerals, products and materials essential to our economy and national defense. May 26, 2025.
From Black Gold to Green Growth: Kurdistan’s Energy Opportunity at a Crossroads
From Black Gold to Green Growth: Kurdistan’s Energy Opportunity at a Crossroads
Payne Institute Fellow Peri-Khan Aqrawi-Whitcomb writes about the Kurdistan Region’s recent multibillion-dollar oil and gas deals with U.S. companies, framing them as a pivotal moment of economic and geopolitical significance. While these agreements open the door to long-term prosperity, their success depends not only on the Kurdistan Regional Government but also on its international partners. May 26, 2025.
Trump’s Tariffs Just Killed the Last Hope of a U.S. Mining Boom 4/7/2025
Payne institute Faculty Fellow Ian Lange contributed to this article about how mining companies have asked for federal support — but the current strategy isn’t what most of them had in mind. April 7, 2025.
The mining executive order needs creative financial support to achieve its goals 3/31/2025
The mining executive order needs creative financial support to achieve its goals
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian and Payne Institute Energy Finance Lab Program Director Brad Handler write about how the Trump Administration’s recently released executive order to speed up and support new mining and processing development projects would benefit from sourcing funds from private lenders and investors instead of public funding alone. March 31, 2025.
U.S. Delegation Visits Greenland Amid Trump Pressure Campaign 3/28/2025
U.S. Delegation Visits Greenland Amid Trump Pressure Campaign
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian contributed to this article about how U.S. President Donald Trump’s yearslong obsession with acquiring Greenland sparked fresh and intense backlash this week as he sent a high-profile delegation of top U.S. officials to the island—even as Greenland made clear they weren’t welcome. Vice President J.D. Vance is the highest-ranking U.S. official to ever travel to the island. March 28, 2025.
Greenland’s Minerals Won’t Secure the U.S. Supply Chain 3/26/2025
Greenland’s Minerals Won’t Secure the U.S. Supply Chain
Emily J. Holland, Payne Institute Fellow Joshua Busby, and Director Morgan Bazilian write about how Greenland’s minerals are drawing renewed U.S. interest, but Arctic conditions, local opposition, and processing and refining challenges make near-term gains unlikely. March 26, 2025.
Hill looks to bolster Trump on minerals executive order 3/26/2025
Hill looks to bolster Trump on minerals executive order
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian contributes to this article about how President Trump’s executive order last week – citing the national energy emergency – directs agencies to submit mineral projects that could get priority for accelerated permitting. It authorizes the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. – created to fund projects abroad – and other agencies to finance mineral developments using the Defense Production Act. March 26, 2025.
US in ‘Final Stages’ of Agreeing to Ukraine Minerals Deal 2/24/2025
US in ‘Final Stages’ of Agreeing to Ukraine Minerals Deal: Kyiv
Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian contributes to this article about how Kyiv and the United States are in the final stages of negotiating a minerals deal. Ukraine has Europe’s largest reserves of titanium, used in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries, as well as uranium, the primary fuel source for nuclear power reactors and weapon production. February 24, 2025.
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For more information about the Energy Security & Resilience Research Area at the Payne Institute for Public Policy, please contact our Deputy Director, Gregory Clough, at gclough@mines.edu.