Energy and National Security in the Age of AI and Global Transition
NCAC–USAEE’s 29th Annual Energy Policy Conference | April 7, 2026 | Washington, DC

Registration Opens: Early March

How is artificial intelligence reshaping energy security? What does national security mean in an era of accelerating energy transition, geopolitical fragmentation, and technological disruption?

On April 7, 2026, the NCAC–USAEE Conference convenes senior policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and emerging professionals for a full-day dialogue on the future of energy and national security. Hosted at the Bloomberg Center at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University, this timely conference will explore how AI, energy markets, nuclear power, and global partnerships are redefining strategic decision-making in the United States and beyond.

The program brings together distinguished keynote speakers and expert panels to examine critical questions at the intersection of energy, technology, and geopolitics—from the role of AI in energy infrastructure and cybersecurity, to the outlook for oil and gas markets, the future of nuclear power, and the evolving landscape of global energy diplomacy.

The day will open with student mentoring and career networking, reflecting NCAC–USAEE’s commitment to developing the next generation of energy leaders. Throughout the conference, attendees will engage in high-level discussions, fireside chats, and interactive sessions with policymakers, regulators, industry executives, and international experts.

Highlights include:

• Broad array of energy policy topics including on nuclear energy and national security

• Panels on AI and energy systems, U.S. oil and gas markets, and secure power supplies.

• Confirmed speakers including from BP, GE Vernova, and Radiant Nuclear.

• EIA Administrator Keynote (invited)

• A lunchtime fireside chat with former U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz

• An international dialogue on global partnerships and energy diplomacy

• A SAIS alumni-led session on energy futures and technological frontiers

• A closing happy hour for informal networking and continued conversation

As energy systems become more complex and security challenges more intertwined, this conference offers a critical platform to connect ideas, data, and leadership across disciplines.

 Date:  April 7, 2026
 Location:  Johns Hopkins University SAIS, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
⏰ Time:  8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Conference Agenda

Registration and Breakfast
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Student Mentoring
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Moderator: Clemente Gilardini, USAEE Executive Council Member
Student attendees will connect with mentors for speed networking and career guidance.

Welcoming Remarks by the President and Vice President of NCAC-USAEE
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
David O’Keefe - USAEE-NCAC President, and
Dr. Sara Vakhshouri - USAEE-NCAC Vice-President

Morning Keynote: The Honorable Administrator of the Energy Information Administration - Tristan Abbey (Invited)
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM 

Panel: Energy and National Security in the Era of AI
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Moderator: Bret Strogen - Strogen Sustainable Strategies
This panel will discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping energy infrastructure, cybersecurity, and strategic planning.

Coffee Break
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM

Panel: Future of Oil and Gas Markets – Trends and U.S. Domestic Production
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Moderator: Michael Cohen - Chief US Economist and Head of Oil & Gas, BP
An in-depth look at where oil and gas markets are heading, including the role of U.S. production and global demand shifts.

Lunch
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM

Fireside Chat with Former US Secretary of Energy Ernie Moniz
12:45 PM - 1:15 PM 
Moderator: David O’Keefe - USAEE-NCAC President

Panel: Reliable and Secure Power Supplies, The Role of Nuclear Energy
1:30 PM - 2:30PM
Confirmed: Dr. Rita Baranwal - Chief Nuclear Officer, Radiant,
Cole Simons - Managing Director of Government Affairs, GE Vernova
Moderator: Dr. Anna Broughel - Lecturer, Johns Hopkins SAIS
This session will discuss opportunities and challenges of securing clean and abundant power supply from nuclear energy.

Coffee Break
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM

Panel: Global Partnerships and Energy Diplomacy 
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Moderator: Diep Nguyen-van Houtte, International Finance Corporation
This session will bring in international guests to discuss how global energy partnerships and diplomacy are evolving in today's geopolitical climate.

Coffee Break
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Panel:  Meet an SAIS Alum: Energy Futures and Technological Frontiers
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Moderator: Stephanie Eyocko - Economic Analyst, FERC
This interactive session will feature SAIS alumni who work on innovations that could redefine energy security landscapes, with a focus on clean energy.

Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks
5:00 PM - 5:15 PM
David O’Keefe - USAEE-NCAC President, and
Dr. Sara Vakhshouri - USAEE-NCAC Vice-President
A concluding session summarizing the key insights of the day and outlining future steps.

Happy Hour
5:15 PM - 6:00 PM