In this episode.
Our host, Stuart Broadley, is joined by Dr Carole Nakhle, Founder and CEO of Crystol Energy, for a wide-ranging conversation on geopolitics, energy markets and the resilience of the global energy system. Drawing on her expertise in energy economics, policy and market development, Carole explores the challenges facing the UAE, Iran, Europe and Africa — and what happens when governments and businesses have their backs to the wall.
The discussion examines the UAE’s efforts to protect energy security and maintain trust with global markets, Iran’s struggle for economic and political survival, and Europe’s growing concerns around energy costs, competitiveness and deindustrialisation. Carole also looks at Africa’s enormous potential, from its young and growing population to its vast reserves of oil, gas, minerals and critical materials, while highlighting the importance of stable institutions, predictable policies and investment.
At the heart of the conversation is a broader question: how should the energy industry prepare for a future where geopolitical shocks are impossible to predict? Carole argues for a more long-term view of risk, resilience and investment — focusing less on predicting every crisis and more on building infrastructure, partnerships and businesses capable of weathering whatever comes next.
What Is the EIC?
The Energy Industries Council (EIC) is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations. As a not-for-profit organisation, it supports more than 950 member companies involved in the global energy value chain. EIC operates internationally, with offices in London, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dubai, and soon, Berlin.
It is energy agnostic, supporting all parts of the energy sector. From mature renewable onshore and offshore sectors like wind, solar and hydropower; to grid infrastructure and large nuclear; to hydrocarbon sectors like oil & gas, LNG, FPSO, decommissioning, upstream, midstream and downstream; to emerging low-carbon sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture, CCUS, energy storage, BESS, biofuels, SAF (sustainable aviation fuels), and geothermal.
EIC provides a wide range of services, including access to global market intelligence, CAPEX and OPEX project data, consulting support, events, business development opportunities, and advocacy. It also facilitates connections with key decision-makers and policymakers in the energy sector worldwide.
Stay Connected with EIC
- Learn more about the EIC
- Explore EIC membership
- Learn more about the Five Golden Rules for a Healthy Energy Supply Chain
- Learn about EIC Consult
- Read the full Survive & Thrive Report
Contact Stuart Broadley about doing your own C-level EIC podcast at Stuart.Broadley@the-eic.com
Produced, engineered, and promoted by: Samara Bernardo, Lucas Almeida, João Otero, Isabella Costa, Laura Carvalho, and Clara Machado.
