International Energy Agency

The U.S. Army has selected REalloys (NASDAQ: ALOY) to build a commercial facility at Utah's Tooele Army Depot to process dysprosium and terbium, two rare earths critical for high-performance magnets used in weapons, radar, sonar, and electric motors. This is the first time the Army has hosted commercial mineral processing on a military installation. The move aims to reduce U.S. dependence on China, which controls about 91% of global rare earth refining and 94% of permanent magnet production. In April 2025, China imposed export controls on seven heavy rare earths, disrupting supply chains. REalloys already operates a rare earth metals facility in Ohio and has secured feedstock from Canada's Saskatchewan Research Council. The Army provides the land; REalloys provides capital and operations. The day after the Army's conditional award, REalloys closed a $100 million financing round.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 12:00 AM UTC

Meta has withdrawn from the RE100 corporate renewable energy initiative, a clean energy pact it had signed over a decade ago, as it increasingly relies on natural gas to power its hyperscale data centers for artificial intelligence development. The company, parent of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is backing multiple natural gas-fired power plants, including ten in Louisiana capable of generating 7.5 gigawatts of electricity. While Meta continues to match 100% of its annual electricity use with renewable energy through existing wind and solar projects totaling nearly 30 GW, it argues that renewables cannot keep pace with near-term demand projections. The move highlights a growing tension between Big Tech's clean energy commitments and the surging power demands of AI, which are expected to grow 10-15% annually through 2030. Rivals Apple, Google, and Microsoft remain in RE100, though Google and Microsoft have also invested in fossil fuel power. The International Energy Agency notes that data center demand is a significant driver for natural gas and even coal growth.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 10:04 AM UTC

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has issued its seventh crude tender since June, offering millions of barrels for loading between August and October from UAE ports inside and outside the Persian Gulf, including Zirku, Das Island, and Fujairah, as well as via ship-to-ship transfers offshore Fujairah or Malaysia. This comes despite renewed threats to supply from the Strait of Hormuz and new shipping risks in the Red Sea from Iran-aligned Houthis. ADNOC has sold over 74 million barrels in previous tenders since June, using shuttle services and dark-mode tankers to bypass the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The UAE's crude production surged to a record 4.1 million barrels per day in June after leaving OPEC effective May 1, up from 3.3 million bpd in May. ADNOC will automatically reject discounted bids in the current tender.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:30 PM UTC

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has issued its seventh crude oil tender since early June, offering millions of barrels for loading between August and October from UAE ports including Zirku, Das Island, and Fujairah, as well as via ship-to-ship transfers offshore Fujairah or Malaysia. The tender proceeds despite renewed threats to supply from the Strait of Hormuz and new shipping risks in the Red Sea from Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen. ADNOC has sold over 74 million barrels in previous tenders since June, utilizing shuttle services and dark-mode tanker operations to bypass the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The UAE's crude production surged to a record 4.1 million barrels per day in June after leaving OPEC effective May 1, up from 3.3 million bpd in May. ADNOC will automatically reject discounted bids in this tender.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:30 PM UTC

Researchers at MIT have developed a new framework to map geographical hotspots and vulnerabilities in electrical grids, using climate projections and county-level power infrastructure data. Published in Nature Energy, the framework aims to help planners anticipate energy shortfalls caused by extreme weather and rising demand from data centers. Simulations using data from New England and Texas grids showed that ignoring regional climate projections could lead to a fivefold increase in energy shortfalls by 2050, raising blackout risks. However, when climate factors are incorporated, resilience can be achieved with minimal additional cost. The study emphasizes that smart siting of renewable energy infrastructure is critical for grid stability and decarbonization. The U.S. Department of Energy acknowledges the current grid is inadequate for 21st-century demands, and the International Energy Agency stresses the need for modernized distribution grids and new transmission corridors.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 09:00 PM UTC

The United States signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia on July 22, 2026, to develop a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom. The deal requires review by Congress under the Atomic Energy Act. Saudi Arabia currently produces virtually all of its domestic energy from fossil fuels, with nearly 60% of electricity from natural gas and 40% from oil, and is the largest oil producer in OPEC. The agreement comes amid ongoing U.S. military strikes on Iran aimed at forcing Tehran to renounce its nuclear ambitions. This is a developing story.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:44 PM UTC

The article analyzes the current state of base and precious metals markets, highlighting a tug-of-war between bullish factors (structural deficits, AI-driven data center demand) and bearish pressures (global growth reassessments, high energy prices, interest rate risks). Base metals have been highly volatile, with the LMEX hitting an all-time high in June before plunging after the US-Iran ceasefire collapse. Standard Chartered provides medium-term outlooks: copper remains range-bound but elevated due to tariff uncertainty and supply issues; aluminum prices have retreated after hitting four-year highs, with supply constraints potentially persisting; platinum group metals are still searching for a floor but have positive catalysts. The IEA warns copper supply has worsened considerably due to sulfuric acid disruptions from the Iran war and geopolitical conflicts, while demand surges from grid expansion, renewables, and AI data centers.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 07:00 PM UTC

The United States reports that its sanctions campaign against Iran's oil revenue is showing results, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stating that Chinese purchases of Iranian crude have dropped by approximately 40% over recent months. The decline follows expanded U.S. sanctions on Chinese independent 'teapot' refiners, which have been primary buyers of discounted Iranian oil. However, the reduction is also attributed to China's broader crude import slowdown amid high oil prices and disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, with June imports hitting their lowest since 2016. Analysts warn the buying slowdown may be temporary as China begins drawing down its oil inventories, with the IEA estimating 41 million barrels pulled from storage in June alone. Beijing has also started easing some fuel export restrictions, potentially signaling future demand recovery.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 05:45 PM UTC

Oil prices have been rising for over a week as Middle East hostilities continue, contradicting earlier forecasts of a looming glut. The U.S.-Iran ceasefire broke down, paralyzing Strait of Hormuz traffic again. Global oil stocks are declining sharply, with U.S. inventories at Cushing, Oklahoma, near minimum operational levels and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve at its lowest since 1983. The IEA reported a 4.1 million bpd supply rebound in June, but production remains 9.4 million bpd below pre-war levels. Fuel markets are particularly tight: Middle East refinery processing is down 20% due to war damage, and Russian refining capacity has been reduced by 25% from drone attacks, leading to a diesel export ban. Gasoline crack spreads have risen to $0.90 per gallon, and gasoline prices are 32% above pre-war levels despite crude being only 18% higher. Analysts warn that demand destruction may be the only way to rebalance prices, but global fuel demand remains resilient.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:00 AM UTC

Global oil prices surged past $105 per barrel after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s peace proposal, labeling it unacceptable. The diplomatic breakdown has intensified fears of prolonged conflict and supply disruptions, particularly with the Strait of Hormuz largely closed. Saudi Aramco reported significant weekly oil losses due to the blockade. While equity markets remained mixed, energy volatility heightened concerns over global economic stability. The situation underscores the fragility of Middle East security, with analysts warning of further price hikes if the ceasefire completely collapses and shipping routes remain obstructed.

346 reports · 45 sources · Updated Jul 29, 07:05 PM UTC

This MarketBeat analysis, published on July 20, 2026, examines the recent sharp decline in nuclear energy stocks despite rising long-term power demand driven by AI data centers. The article argues that the pullback represents a reset rather than a broken thesis, as revenue from major power agreements signed in 2024 with tech giants like Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon has not yet materialized due to long reactor build timelines (6-8 years for standard reactors, early 2030s for small modular reactors). The analysis highlights Constellation Energy (CEG) as a steady bet with existing power agreements and a low P/E ratio, while noting that smaller companies like Oklo and NuScale have experienced higher volatility. The piece also discusses shifting Nuclear Regulatory Commission mandates that could shorten approval timelines, and positions the sector as a patience play for investors willing to wait through the current dip.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 02:15 PM UTC

Despite a five-month US-Israel war with Iran that began in late February 2026, oil prices have not spiked as dramatically as analysts feared. Brent crude peaked around $126 per barrel, below the 2008 all-time high of $147, and averaged $101 during the conflict. Key factors preventing a price surge include: China slashing crude imports to near-decade lows due to reduced fuel exports, electric taxi adoption, and lower petrochemical demand; the US pumping a record 13.93 million barrels per day and releasing 400 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; President Trump repeatedly making statements about peace and Hormuz flows that wrong-footed bullish traders; Saudi Arabia increasing shipments from its Red Sea Yanbu port to offset Hormuz disruptions; and ample supply of prompt physical cargoes keeping differentials low. However, analysts warn the situation may not last as fighting resumed in July.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 11:48 AM UTC

Despite a five-month US-Israel war with Iran that began in late February 2026, oil prices have not surged as analysts initially predicted, with Brent crude peaking around $126 per barrel, well below the 2008 all-time high of $147. The article outlines five key reasons: China, the world's largest oil importer, unexpectedly slashed crude imports to near-decade lows by June, curbed fuel exports, and increased use of electric taxis; the US pumped a record 13.93 million barrels per day by April and released 400 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve via the IEA; President Trump repeatedly made statements about peace deals and Hormuz flows, causing market volatility and reducing bullish bets; Saudi Arabia sharply increased shipments from its Red Sea Yanbu port, offsetting Hormuz disruptions; and traders report ample supply of prompt physical oil, with European crude differentials falling to a discount. The analysis notes that while the market is currently stable, the situation may not last.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 11:48 AM UTC

Ryanair reported a 34% drop in first-quarter profit to 538 million euros, driven by a doubling of unhedged jet fuel costs and a 6% decline in ticket fares amid the ongoing Iran war and Middle East crisis. The budget airline's CEO Michael O'Leary warned that unprofitable European airlines face a 'difficult winter' as consumer hesitancy and economic uncertainty delay bookings. Ryanair's shares fell 5.6% on the news. The company has 80% of its 2027 jet fuel hedged at $67 per barrel, but 20% remains exposed to price spikes. Aviation analysts expect more airline failures and flight cancellations if fuel prices remain elevated, with the average jet fuel price surging 41% year-over-year to $127 per barrel. Ryanair issued conservative guidance, citing high sensitivity to geopolitical developments in the Middle East and Ukraine.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:05 AM UTC

This article from Our World in Data analyzes the energy consumption of data centers and artificial intelligence (AI). According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centers consumed approximately 485 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2025, equivalent to 1.5% of global electricity generation. AI-focused data centers accounted for about one-third of this total, or 0.5% of global electricity. The article notes that AI energy demand is dominated by inference (running models) rather than training. Projections indicate that by 2030, data center electricity use could rise to 945 TWh (3% of global electricity), with AI centers nearly tripling their share. The analysis addresses three key concerns: environmental impact (carbon emissions), local community effects (grid strain and price increases), and potential bottlenecks for AI expansion. The data excludes cryptocurrency mining and end-user device energy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:00 AM UTC

This article from Our World in Data analyzes the energy consumption of data centers and artificial intelligence. According to the International Energy Agency, data centers consumed approximately 485 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2025, representing about 1.5% of global electricity generation. AI-focused data centers accounted for roughly one-third of this total, or about 0.5% of global electricity. The article notes that AI energy demand is dominated by inference (running models) rather than training. Projections indicate that by 2030, total data center electricity use could rise to 945 TWh (3% of global electricity), with AI-focused centers nearly tripling their share. The analysis addresses three key concerns: environmental impact (carbon emissions), local community effects (grid strain and price increases), and potential bottlenecks for AI expansion. The estimates exclude cryptocurrency mining and end-user device energy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:00 AM UTC

This article from Our World in Data analyzes the energy consumption of data centers and artificial intelligence (AI). According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centers consumed approximately 485 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2025, representing about 1.5% of global electricity generation. AI-focused data centers accounted for roughly one-third of that total, or about 0.5% of global electricity. The article notes that AI energy demand is dominated by inference (running models) rather than training. Projections indicate that by 2030, total data center electricity use could rise to 945 TWh (3% of global electricity), with AI centers nearly tripling their share. The analysis addresses three key concerns: environmental impact (carbon emissions), local community effects (strained supplies and higher prices), and AI's growth bottleneck. The data excludes cryptocurrency mining and end-user device energy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:00 AM UTC

In 2025, the United States supplied approximately 93% of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) export growth, adding 1.10 trillion cubic feet out of a total global increase of 1.2 trillion cubic feet. U.S. LNG exports reached 5.2 trillion cubic feet, making America the world's largest LNG exporter, ahead of Qatar (3.9 trillion cubic feet) and Australia (3.7 trillion cubic feet). The surge was driven by the shale revolution, Gulf Coast infrastructure, and new facilities like Plaquemines LNG in Louisiana, which alone accounted for over 60% of the global supply increase. Europe received 68% of U.S. LNG exports, averaging a record 10.3 billion cubic feet per day, as Asian demand softened and trade tensions with China reduced shipments there. U.S. natural gas production also hit a record 103.9 trillion cubic feet. The article highlights how U.S. LNG has reshaped global gas trade, offering flexible contracts and redirectable cargoes that enhance energy security for buyers.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 09:11 PM UTC

Despite dire warnings that European airports would face physical jet fuel shortages by June due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz in late February, those shortages largely failed to materialize. The disruption, described by the IEA as the largest in global oil market history, cut off approximately 14 million barrels per day of oil supply. Europe, which imports more jet fuel than it produces and relied heavily on Middle Eastern supplies, was considered particularly vulnerable. However, coordinated releases of 400 million barrels of emergency oil stocks by IEA members, record-high jet fuel yields from European and American refineries, and redirected cargoes from alternative producers allowed the energy system to absorb the shock. Prices rose sharply and inventories declined, but widespread physical shortages, flight cancellations, and rationing did not occur, highlighting the adaptability of global energy markets and their tendency to price in worst-case scenarios prematurely.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 09:00 PM UTC

Despite dire warnings that Europe would run out of jet fuel by June 2026 following the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz in late February, the continent avoided physical shortages. The disruption, described by the IEA as the largest in global oil market history, cut off approximately 14 million barrels per day of oil supply (14% of global demand). Europe, which consumes 1.6 million barrels per day of jet fuel but produces only 1.1 million, was deemed particularly vulnerable. However, market mechanisms—including price-driven behavioral changes by producers, refiners, traders, and consumers—prevented the predicted shortages. While prices rose sharply and inventories fell, no widespread rationing or flight cancellations occurred, demonstrating the adaptability of global energy markets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 09:00 PM UTC

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, resulting from the U.S.-Israeli-led war on Iran, has caused severe fuel shortages globally, disproportionately affecting African nations. Many African countries are heavily dependent on Iran and China for refined fuel imports, as the continent lacks sufficient domestic refining capacity despite producing significant crude oil. The crisis highlights vulnerabilities in Africa's energy security and is driving new geopolitical dynamics, with Russia and Turkey seeking to expand energy ties with African governments. Analysts emphasize the need for Africa to develop domestic refining capacity and accelerate renewable energy deployment, leveraging its vast solar, wind, and hydropower potential. European countries are also looking to Africa to support the global green transition. The article underscores how the Hormuz crisis is reshaping global energy trade and supply chains.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 03:00 PM UTC

The United States is developing a new technology to extract critical minerals from seawater, aiming to reduce dependence on China, which controls 85-95% of global rare earth refining. Scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have created a co-flow reactor that extracts high-purity magnesium hydroxide from seawater. When paired with California's Carlsbad desalination plant, the technology could produce 1.16 million pounds of magnesium hydroxide daily—more than triple current U.S. consumption. The process could also be adapted to extract nickel and lithium. China's dominance extends to cobalt (68%), nickel (65%), and EV-battery-grade lithium (60%), creating geopolitical risks. Global demand for critical minerals is projected to double or quadruple by 2040, driven by clean energy and electric vehicles. The technology offers scalability due to seawater's consistent chemical composition worldwide.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 05:00 PM UTC

Ukraine's sustained drone campaign against Russian oil refineries has severely disrupted Russia's fuel production, leading to a domestic crisis and global market turmoil. Russia banned diesel exports in July 2026, causing U.S. diesel prices to exceed $5 per gallon. The International Energy Agency reported over 100 strikes on Russian refineries since August 2025, with almost every large refinery in western Russia hit multiple times. In Russia, fuel shortages have led to long queues, rationing, and price spikes of 50% or more at independent stations. The disruption is affecting agriculture, public transport, and logistics. Russia is reportedly planning to import gasoline from India and considering fuel rationing for food delivery. Traditional Russian diesel customers like Brazil are turning to U.S. supplies, further pressuring American prices. The sustainability of Ukraine's drone campaign is uncertain following the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, a key architect of the drone program.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 11:20 AM UTC

Despite President Trump's efforts to calm crude oil markets amid the Iran war, gasoline prices remain stubbornly high at $3.94/gallon, 32% above pre-war levels, while crude oil is only 18% higher at $80/barrel. The disconnect stems from refined fuel markets lacking the buffers that crude oil had. China dramatically cut crude imports to 5.7 million barrels/day in June, providing a shock absorber for crude, but did not similarly reduce refined product exports. Strategic petroleum reserve releases were overwhelmingly crude oil, not gasoline or diesel. Meanwhile, global refining capacity has been severely curtailed: Middle Eastern refineries processed 20% less due to Strait of Hormuz disruptions and Iranian strikes, while over a quarter of Russian refining capacity was knocked offline by Ukrainian drones. Russia imposed a short-term diesel export ban and began importing gasoline from India and Belarus. Global gasoline inventories are 3% below the five-year average, expected to widen to 4%. Analysts warn that even if oil prices fall, gasoline and diesel prices will remain elevated due to these structural refining constraints.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 09:30 AM UTC

In June 2026, the United Arab Emirates achieved a record crude oil output of 4.1 million barrels per day, nearly double its March level, following its exit from OPEC on May 1. Despite a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE exported significant volumes using dark-mode tankers and ports at Fujairah and Oman’s Sohar. State oil company ADNOC is accelerating the West-East 1 Pipeline (expected 2027) and plans up to $55 billion in projects, signaling a major independent expansion.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 13, 05:00 PM UTC

Ron Guerrier, CTO at Save the Children U.S., argues that the current artificial intelligence boom mirrors the speculative excesses of the 1920s, warning that unchecked growth could lead to significant societal and environmental risks. Drawing parallels to President Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation efforts, Guerrier emphasizes that prosperity requires governing resource consumption rather than halting progress. He contends that AI development must address human, environmental, and institutional costs before scaling further. The article highlights that data center energy consumption is projected to double by 2030, underscoring the urgent need for stewardship. Guerrier defines sustainable AI not merely through efficient hardware, but by ensuring it supports worker dignity, maintains institutional legitimacy, and accounts for carbon and water impacts. He urges leaders to treat AI’s resource demands with the same seriousness as financial strategy and risk management, avoiding the fragile foundations that characterized the pre-1929 economic landscape. The piece serves as a call for proactive governance to ensure AI contributes to long-term resilience rather than short-term speculative gain.

1 reports · 1 sources

Since the beginning of 2026, Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted at least 16 Russian oil refineries, significantly disrupting the country's energy sector. According to Reuters calculations cited by Ukrinform, these attacks have taken approximately 700,000 barrels per day of refining capacity offline. The intensity of strikes has increased compared to 2025, with peak disruptions in March and April affecting nearly 1 million barrels per day. In total, 35 primary distillation units have been shut down due to damage or related issues, representing a substantial portion of Russia's processing capability. This operational paralysis has led to a record low in oil product exports, which dropped to 2.2 million barrels per day in April, a decrease of 340,000 barrels from the previous month. Additionally, crude oil production fell by 460,000 barrels per day year-over-year. The sustained attacks on refineries, pipelines, and storage facilities are intensifying pressure on Moscow’s federal budget, where oil and gas taxes constitute roughly 25% of revenue. Major facilities in Kirishi, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, and Tuapse were among those impacted, highlighting the strategic effectiveness of Ukraine's asymmetric warfare tactics against Russia's economic infrastructure.

1 reports · 1 sources

US gasoline inventories are declining rapidly, currently sitting 5% below the historical seasonal median, driven by a combination of surging net exports and resilient domestic demand. According to Goldman Sachs, net exports have risen by 0.34 million barrels per day year-over-year, while domestic demand remains strong as the summer driving season approaches. Additionally, refineries are shifting production toward distillates like jet fuel and diesel due to higher margins, further tightening gasoline supplies. Consequently, US wholesale gasoline prices are approximately 15% higher than those in Asia and Europe, with retail prices nearing all-time highs. This tightness has increased the probability of potential US oil export restrictions, although this is not the base case. Globally, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates an April oil market deficit of 5.3 million barrels per day, slightly lower than previous estimates due to downgraded demand forecasts for LPG, naphtha, and jet fuel. Meanwhile, crude oil futures rose amid low flows through the Strait of Hormuz and stalled US-Iran nuclear deal negotiations.

1 reports · 1 sources

China and the United States have played pivotal roles in mitigating the impact of a historic oil supply disruption caused by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the International Energy Agency, the blockade removed approximately 10 million barrels per day from the market, representing about 10% of global consumption. Despite this massive shock, crude prices remained below $120 per barrel, largely due to coordinated adjustments by the world's two largest economies. The U.S., as the top producer, surged exports by 3.5 million barrels per day, while China, the largest importer, reduced its intake by 3.6 million barrels per day. These actions collectively offset roughly 70% of the lost Gulf exports. The stabilization efforts coincided with a high-level summit in Beijing between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping, where leaders agreed on the necessity of reopening the strait for energy flow. Analysts note that without these significant market interventions, prices would likely have spiked much higher, surpassing levels seen during previous geopolitical crises.

1 reports · 1 sources

European airline executives from major carriers including Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Lufthansa are reassuring travelers that air travel will continue normally during the summer peak season, despite a severe fuel crisis. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, resulting from conflict in the Middle East, has caused kerosene reserves in Europe to drop to historic lows and fuel prices to nearly double. While industry leaders emphasize that alternative supplies from regions like the United States and Nigeria, along with stockpiled reserves, will ensure uninterrupted operations until at least mid-July, analysts warn of potential long-term shortages. The International Energy Agency highlights that global oil supply may fail to meet demand due to production damage in the Middle East. Although airport operators have increased reserves by over 60% to mitigate panic, traders caution that the closure of this critical shipping route, which handles one-fifth of global oil shipments, poses a real risk of supply disruption if the conflict persists. EU officials express cautious optimism for the short term but acknowledge uncertainty regarding long-term energy security.

1 reports · 1 sources