Rice University Launches Eastern Mediterranean Energy Center

The new center, housed within the Baker Institute for Public Policy in Houston, formalizes a framework for cooperation envisioned under the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019. By connecting regional stakeholders with global research expertise, the initiative seeks to promote data-driven policy analysis regarding natural gas development, grid reliability, and critical infrastructure resilience.

Rice President Reginald DesRoches noted that the university’s strategic plan prioritizes interdisciplinary partnerships between government, industry, and academia to address complex global challenges. Baker Institute Director David Satterfield emphasized that the center will focus on the pragmatic integration of energy resources, viewing the development of infrastructure as a tool for regional stabilization. Secretary Wright argued that such commercial exchange creates voluntary, mutually beneficial outcomes that can suppress geopolitical tensions. The center will facilitate ongoing research, technical exchanges, and workforce development to support these long-term regional objectives.