Energy Standard Editorial Team
Editorial Team
The Energy Standard Editorial Team is a group of experienced energy sector journalists and analysts who curate and produce content covering oil and gas, renewable energy, mining, and emerging technologies. Our team aggregates news from over 40 trusted sources and provides original analysis on market trends, industry developments, and technological innovations shaping the energy landscape.
Articles by Energy Standard Editorial Team
Mining Automation and Electrification Take Center Stage as Industry Modernizes Operations
Mining companies are accelerating adoption of automation and electrification technologies, with new partnerships and equipment deployments signaling a broader industry shift toward modernized operations.
What is the difference between WTI and Brent crude?
WTI and Brent are the two most widely used global oil benchmarks, differentiated by their geographic origin, production characteristics, and the markets they serve.
The Grid Is Transforming: How Renewables Are Forcing a Complete Rethink of Power Plants
China and France are retrofitting their traditional power plants to work with surging renewable energy, signaling a fundamental shift in how the world generates electricity.
Oil Prices Hit Six-Month High as Iran Nuclear Talks Create Market Uncertainty
Crude oil prices reached their highest levels in six months this week, but traders remain divided on whether the market is properly pricing in geopolitical risks from ongoing US-Iran negotiations.
Europe's Defense Spending Could Reshape Global Energy Markets—Here's Why
As Europe ramps up military investment, capital markets could shift in ways that ripple across the energy sector. Meanwhile, tech giants double down on AI infrastructure, and mining companies secure major backing.
Venezuela's Oil Comeback and Global Energy Tensions Reshape Markets
Spanish energy giant Repsol secures US permits to triple Venezuelan oil production while geopolitical tensions push crude prices higher and reshape the global energy landscape.
Weekly Energy Market Recap: Feb 13 - Feb 20, 2026
This week in energy: Hungary taps strategic reserves after Russian pipeline halt, Shell advances Venezuela gas project following U.S. sanctions relief, and oil prices post first weekly gain since January amid Iran tensions. Key developments across oil, gas, renewables, and mining sectors.
Nvidia Bets Big on India's AI Boom While Energy Sector Braces for Growth
As major tech players expand AI infrastructure investments globally, energy companies face mounting pressure to support data center demand while traditional oil majors shift strategy.
Big Mining Bounces Back as Copper Prices Hit Record Highs on AI Demand
Major mining companies are posting record profits as copper prices surge, driven by artificial intelligence infrastructure buildouts and broader industrial demand.
How does the oil futures market work?
Oil futures are standardized contracts that allow traders to buy or sell oil at a predetermined price on a future date, enabling price discovery and risk management across the energy industry.
Data Centers' Energy Hunger Tests Grid Limits as Great Lakes Region Faces Unprecedented Demand Surge
The AI boom is reshaping regional energy markets. The Great Lakes faces a 2-3% annual energy demand increase over the next decade as data centers proliferate, threatening both grid stability and freshwater resources.
Oil Markets Hold Steady as Nuclear Diplomacy Takes Center Stage
Crude oil prices drift ahead of US-Iran nuclear talks while structural shifts reshape the global energy landscape, from UK production collapse to ADNOC's LNG expansion strategy.
Energy Sector Surges While Oil Markets Stumble on Demand Concerns
The energy sector is outperforming the broader market despite oil price volatility, as geopolitical tensions and demand forecasts reshape investment strategies across oil, gas, and emerging energy infrastructure.
Weekly Energy Market Recap: Feb 6 - Feb 13, 2026
This week in energy: Long-duration energy storage gains momentum with a major California agreement, while regulatory shifts reshape the renewable energy landscape. Key developments across storage, solar, mining, and oil markets signal shifting industry dynamics.
Chinese AI Stocks Surge as Global Tech Giants Race to Meet Data Center Power Demands
A wave of new AI model releases sparked a 30% rally in Chinese AI stocks this week, while global energy infrastructure faces mounting pressure from data center expansion tied to artificial intelligence deployment.
Argentina's Lithium Boom Comes With a Geopolitical Price Tag
As global superpowers race to secure critical minerals, Argentina's vast lithium and uranium reserves are becoming a double-edged sword for the nation's energy independence.
Tech Giants' Energy Appetite Reshapes Investment Landscape as Big Oil Gains Ground
As artificial intelligence spending plans trigger market volatility, investors are rotating capital back into traditional energy stocks. Meanwhile, major tech companies are striking renewable energy deals to power their data center ambitions.
Oil Markets Ease as Geopolitical Tensions Cool, While Indian Refiners Shift Strategy
Crude oil prices retreated this week as concerns about U.S.-Iran conflict subsided, while Indian refiners make strategic moves away from Russian supplies in pursuit of trade deals.
Oil Majors Tighten Belts as Crude Prices Retreat on Iran Talks
Oil prices extended their decline this week as diplomatic developments and shifting market sentiment weighed on crude, prompting major producers to announce aggressive cost-cutting measures.
Weekly Energy Market Recap: Jan 30 - Feb 6, 2026
This week in energy: Solar patent disputes resolved, renewable grid stability tools emerge, and mining sector advances with critical minerals agreements. Key developments across renewables and mining sectors, with limited oil and gas market coverage.
Google's AI Spending Spree Reshapes Energy Infrastructure as Semiconductor Makers Stumble
Alphabet's record capital expenditure plans for AI infrastructure are setting new benchmarks for the industry, even as semiconductor designers face headwinds from memory shortages and shifting market expectations.
How long does mine permitting take?
Mine permitting timelines vary dramatically based on project type, location, and regulatory complexity, typically ranging from several years to over a decade.
US-Backed Fund Strikes Multibillion-Dollar Deal for Congo's Copper and Cobalt
A major investment by Orion CMC in Glencore's Democratic Republic of Congo mines signals intensifying competition for critical minerals as the US and allies move to counter China's dominance in the supply chain.
AI's Power Appetite Is Reshaping Global Energy Markets—and Creating New Opportunities
As artificial intelligence data centers strain electricity grids worldwide, energy markets are experiencing a seismic shift. From fuel cell companies riding a stock surge to warnings about LNG shortages, the AI boom is forcing a reckoning with how we power the future.
Big Oil Consolidation Hits a Wall as Markets Shift on Geopolitical Easing
Devon's $58 billion acquisition of Coterra marks another wave of shale consolidation, but shareholder skepticism looms as oil prices tumble on easing U.S.-Iran tensions and warmer weather forecasts reshape the energy landscape.
Oil Majors Brace for Leaner Times as Crude Prices Slide and OPEC+ Holds the Line
Europe's biggest oil companies are preparing to slash shareholder payouts as crude prices weaken, while OPEC+ maintains output discipline despite geopolitical volatility.
Oil Surges Past $70 as Geopolitical Tensions and Venezuela Reforms Reshape Energy Markets
Brent crude breaks through a key psychological barrier for the first time since July 2025, driven by Iran tensions and sweeping policy changes in Venezuela that could unlock billions in crude reserves.
Weekly Energy Market Recap: Jan 23 - Jan 30, 2026
This week in energy: Rio Tinto and Chalco acquire controlling stake in Brazilian aluminum producer; renewable energy capacity additions accelerate globally; rare earth recycling investment surges. Key developments across oil, gas, renewables, and mining sectors.
AI Chip Boom Powers Tech Earnings While Energy Sector Rebounds
Semiconductor makers report record sales driven by AI demand, while energy stocks surge 11.2% year-to-date as oil prices stabilize and production recovers from winter disruptions.
What is green hydrogen and how is it made?
Green hydrogen is hydrogen gas produced using renewable electricity, offering a zero-carbon fuel alternative for hard-to-decarbonize industries.
European Nations Double Down on Wind Energy as Winter Storm Exposes Gas Market Vulnerabilities
A major European wind pact signals accelerating renewable investment, even as extreme weather sends natural gas prices to three-year highs and reveals the fragility of fossil fuel supply chains.
Oil Demand Surprises Upward as LNG Supply Glut Looms on the Horizon
The International Energy Agency has revised its oil demand forecasts upward again, challenging the consensus view of oversupply, while LNG markets brace for a supply surge expected in 2026.
Oil Markets Whipsaw on Trump's Shifting Rhetoric as Venezuela Pursues Major Reforms
Oil prices swung sharply this week as President Trump's comments on Iran and Greenland created supply uncertainty, while Venezuela advances legislation that could reshape its oil sector with private company involvement.
Weekly Energy Market Recap: Jan 16 - Jan 23, 2026
This week in energy: Gold prices surge toward $5,000 per ounce amid monetary signals and safe-haven demand, while renewable energy projects advance globally from Greenland wind farms to UAE solar-plus-storage installations. Key developments across oil, gas, renewables, and mining sectors reflect shifting market dynamics.
The AI Energy Crunch Is Starting to Crack Utility Stock Gains
Wall Street's enthusiasm for AI-driven utility growth is cooling as investors grapple with the reality of soaring power demands and rate hikes.
Europe Pivots to Brazil for Rare Earth Supply as Critical Minerals Race Intensifies
The European Union is accelerating partnerships with Brazil to secure rare earth materials, signaling a major shift in global critical minerals strategy as supply chain concerns mount.
UK Government Backs Octopus Energy's Tech Arm as Clean Energy Sector Navigates Political Uncertainty
The UK government is taking a £25 million stake in Octopus Energy's Kraken technology platform, signaling continued support for clean energy infrastructure even as the sector faces geopolitical headwinds and trade tensions.
Oil Holds Steady as Middle East Tensions Ease, While New Gas Discoveries Emerge Globally
Oil prices stabilize as Iranian protests subside, while the Philippines scores a major natural gas find and Syria's political shift reshapes regional energy control.
Venezuelan Oil Floods U.S. Market as Global Energy Dynamics Shift
The Trump administration's push to capitalize on Venezuela's oil reserves is reshaping energy markets, while oil majors defy price gravity and Russia's budget takes a painful hit.
Weekly Energy Market Recap: Jan 9 - Jan 16, 2026
This week in energy: Major mining expansions across gold, copper, and iron ore sectors; renewable energy breakthroughs in solar, sodium-ion batteries, and green hydrogen; and shifting geopolitical dynamics reshaping global commodity markets. Key developments span from North America to Asia-Pacific and Brazil.
Energy Providers Become the AI Play of 2026 as Data Center Boom Reshapes Power Markets
BlackRock identifies energy and power providers as top AI investment opportunities, while UK data center planning hits record highs amid infrastructure scramble.
Critical Minerals Race Heats Up as G7 and Australia Make Strategic Moves
Major economies are accelerating efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese rare earths and critical minerals, with Australia announcing a strategic reserve focused on antimony, gallium, and rare earths.
How is blockchain used in energy trading?
Blockchain enables peer-to-peer energy trading by creating transparent, automated records of transactions without requiring a central intermediary.
Court Victory Signals Offshore Wind's Resilience Despite Trump Headwinds
A federal judge's ruling allows Denmark's Orsted to resume a Rhode Island offshore wind project, offering a glimmer of hope for the renewable sector facing policy uncertainty.
Oil Markets Navigate Iran Tensions and Venezuela's Uncertain Future
Crude prices hold steady as investors weigh competing supply dynamics from Iran's potential disruptions against Venezuela's possible export resumption, while global upstream investment faces another year of decline.
Venezuela's Oil Becomes the Energy Market's Biggest Wild Card as Geopolitical Stakes Rise
Oil prices surge on supply concerns from Venezuela and Iran, while major energy companies and traders jockey for position in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.
Weekly Energy Market Recap: Jan 2 - Jan 9, 2026
This week in energy: China's antitrust regulator halts a $7 billion polysilicon capacity reduction plan, while the country commissions its first GWh-scale supercapacitor energy storage project. Meanwhile, critical mineral development accelerates in North America and hydrogen faces a pivotal year ahead. Key developments across renewables, mining, and energy storage sectors.
AI's Insatiable Energy Appetite Is Reshaping Global Power Markets
The explosive growth of artificial intelligence is upending decades of energy investment priorities, forcing utilities and governments to rethink power infrastructure while creating new opportunities in gas and renewable energy sectors.
Copper Hits Record Highs as Supply Concerns Reshape Critical Minerals Market
Copper prices are surging to unprecedented levels amid production disruptions and tariff concerns, signaling a broader shift in how markets view critical mineral supply chains.
Energy Storage Boom Lifts Lithium Demand as Renewables Accelerate
A surge in energy storage deployment is reversing fortunes for the beaten-down lithium market, signaling renewed momentum for renewable energy infrastructure as 2026 unfolds.
Oil Markets Shrug at Venezuela Upheaval as OPEC+ Holds Steady
Despite the dramatic capture of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, crude markets remain surprisingly calm as traders await tangible supply developments and OPEC+ reaffirms production discipline.
Oil's Worst Year Since 2020 Gives Way to Geopolitical Uncertainty as Tech Giants Reshape the Energy Landscape
Oil markets opened 2026 with modest gains following their steepest annual decline since 2020, while a parallel energy crisis looms as AI data centers demand unprecedented power infrastructure.
Weekly Energy Market Recap: Dec 26 - Jan 2, 2026
This week in energy: Mining sector valuations surge past $2 trillion as gold and precious metals rally, while renewable energy capacity expands globally with major solar installations and battery innovations. Norway reaches 97% EV sales milestone as the energy transition accelerates.
Big Tech's Data Center Boom Is Remaking America's Energy Landscape
As AI giants pour billions into massive data centers across the country, the energy sector faces unprecedented demand challenges and a fundamental reshaping of power infrastructure.
China's Silver Stranglehold and the Race for Critical Minerals in 2026
As Beijing prepares to tighten controls on silver exports, the global tech and energy sectors face a critical supply crunch. Meanwhile, mining operations worldwide are adapting to new realities in the race for minerals essential to AI and renewable energy.
What is the levelized cost of energy (LCOE)?
LCOE is a standardized metric that calculates the average cost of generating electricity from a power plant over its entire lifetime, expressed as a cost per unit of energy produced.
Copper Hits Record Highs as Critical Minerals Become the New Oil
Copper prices are surging to unprecedented levels while major mining ventures reshape the global critical minerals landscape. Here's what's driving the rally and what it means for energy markets.
Natural Gas Surges Into 2026 as Storage Deficit Signals Tight Winter Ahead
January natural gas futures rally on the back of a large storage withdrawal, signaling potential supply tightness as the new year approaches.
Oil Bounces Back as Russia-Ukraine Tensions Overshadow Peace Hopes
Crude prices climbed in early Asian trading as military strikes in the Russia-Ukraine conflict dampened optimism over a potential peace deal, while Australia's Woodside locked in a major LNG supply agreement with Turkey.
Christmas Chaos in Diesel Markets and the Quiet Revolution in Energy Storage
As holiday logistics strain Europe's diesel supplies, the energy sector grapples with copper shortages that may not be real and a boom in alternative storage solutions beyond lithium-ion batteries.
Weekly Energy Market Recap: Dec 19 - Dec 26, 2025
This week in energy: Tesla removes 'sustainable' from its mission statement, Massachusetts awards 1.3 GW in energy storage contracts, and mining companies advance major projects across multiple continents. Key developments across renewables and mining sectors.
Nvidia's $20 Billion Groq Acquisition Signals AI Chip Consolidation as Infrastructure Stocks Soar
Nvidia's landmark acquisition of AI-chip startup Groq marks a turning point in semiconductor consolidation, while other data center infrastructure stocks dramatically outpace the chip giant in 2025 performance.
Copper Hits Record Highs as Critical Minerals Market Enters Uncharted Territory
Copper prices have surged past $12,000 per ton for the first time, signaling a dramatic shift in global commodity markets as supply concerns and trade dynamics reshape the critical minerals landscape heading into 2026.
What is hydraulic fracturing (fracking)?
Hydraulic fracturing is a well stimulation technique that uses pressurized fluid to create fractures in rock formations, allowing oil and natural gas to flow more freely to the surface.
Trump Administration Freezes Offshore Wind Projects as Clean Energy Faces Regulatory Headwinds
The Trump administration has halted major offshore wind initiatives, marking a significant policy shift for U.S. renewable energy development. The move comes as the clean energy sector navigates complex regulatory and market challenges.
U.S. Escalates Venezuela Oil Blockade as Markets React to Supply Disruptions
Oil prices climbed as the Trump administration intensified its campaign against Venezuelan oil exports, seizing tankers and threatening broader blockades that could disrupt an $8 billion trade.
Weekly Energy Market Recap: Dec 13 - Dec 20, 2025
This week in energy: Major renewable energy investments announced across North America, critical minerals projects advancing, and significant policy developments affecting wind energy. Key developments span solar manufacturing expansion, battery storage deployment, and mining sector transformation.
What is a smart grid?
A smart grid is an electricity network that uses digital technology and two-way communication to automatically balance supply and demand in real time.
AI Chips Fuel the Next Energy Tech Boom
The race for AI supremacy is heating up, and the energy sector is at the center of the action.
Copper Surge Sparks Scramble for Critical Minerals
Soaring copper prices and supply concerns have mining companies racing to secure critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths.
Mining Boom Fuels AI Surge as Micron, OpenAI Seize the Moment
The global race for critical minerals is accelerating, with major tech players like Micron and OpenAI making bold moves to secure their supply chains.
Mining Majors Shake Up Leadership as Critical Minerals Demand Surges
The mining industry is undergoing a major leadership shakeup as companies race to meet surging global demand for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt and rare earths.
Oil Blockade and AI Chip Crunch: Navigating the Energy Sector's Turbulent Landscape
Oil markets spiked this week as President Trump ordered a blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, while the AI-fueled chip shortage threatens to raise smartphone prices.
Copper Prices Soar as AI Boom Strains Global Supply Chains
Copper prices are surging toward record highs as the global AI boom strains already tight supplies, with analysts warning of further volatility ahead.
Copper Prices Surge Amid AI Boom, But Chip Shortage Threatens Smartphone Affordability
Copper prices are soaring to new heights, fueled by surging AI demand and supply chain disruptions. But the chip shortage could mean higher smartphone prices for consumers.
Renewables Surge as AI Fuels Copper Crunch and Oil Prices Slip
Copper prices soar on AI demand, oil slips on Ukraine peace talks, and the U.S. halts a key tech trade deal with the UK.
Oil Markets Rocked by Refinery Outage and OPEC Forecasts
Oil prices tumbled this week after a major refinery fire in Canada and OPEC's bearish demand outlook.
AI Superstars Musk and Altman Face Off in $1.4 Trillion AI Infrastructure Battle
As OpenAI turns 10, the former nonprofit AI lab is at the center of a roughly $1.4 trillion bet on AI infrastructure, with founders Elon Musk and Sam Altman now rivals in the high-stakes market.
AI Supercharges Mining, But Can It Solve the Critical Minerals Crunch?
Artificial intelligence is transforming mining operations, but can it help address the looming supply shortages of critical minerals needed for the green energy transition?
Renewable Energy Surges Ahead as Geopolitics Reshape Global Markets
From the Caspian to the North Sea, the energy landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation - and renewable technologies are at the heart of it all.
Oil Prices Surge on Geopolitical Risks and Looming Fed Rate Cut
Oil markets jumped to two-week highs this week on expectations of a US interest rate cut and growing geopolitical tensions, while natural gas prices soared to three-year highs, setting the stage for a coal comeback.
The AI Revolution Reshaping the Global Mining Industry
The mining industry is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, driven by the dual pressures of the energy transition and increasingly complex extraction environments.
Mining Titans Ramp Up Critical Mineral Production as Demand Surges
Major mining companies are racing to boost output of key minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths to meet soaring global demand, especially from the electric vehicle industry.
Renewable Energy Surges Ahead as Oil Majors Shift Gears
The renewable energy sector is experiencing a major transformation, with oil giants making strategic moves and AI emerging as a game-changer.
OPEC+ Holds Firm on Oil Output as Uncertainty Looms
OPEC+ maintained its current oil production levels this week, signaling caution in the face of economic headwinds.
AI Boom Reshapes the Energy Landscape as Data Centers Flock to Texas
The rapid growth of AI and data centers is redrawing America's energy map, with Texas emerging as the epicenter of this digital gold rush.
Lithium Bonanza in Quebec and Autonomous Mining Advances in Peru
Cutting-edge space tech uncovers a massive lithium deposit in Quebec, while autonomous mining equipment takes a big leap forward in Peru.
Renewables Surge Ahead as Oil and Gas Sector Faces Uncertainty
The renewable energy sector is experiencing a major boom, with new developments in solar, wind, and energy storage technology. Meanwhile, the oil and gas industry is grappling with supply chain issues and geopolitical tensions.
Oil Prices Teeter as Ukraine Peace Talks Progress, U.S. Dollar Strengthens
Oil markets remain on edge as reports of potential progress in the Russia-Ukraine peace talks and a strengthening U.S. dollar put downward pressure on prices.
AI Chips Power Up, But Tech Stocks Stumble as Economic Fears Linger
Nvidia's strong earnings initially boosted AI-related stocks, but broader market concerns soon wiped out those gains as tech shares slid.
Mining Majors Scramble to Secure Critical Minerals as Geopolitical Tensions Rise
Rare earth and critical mineral supplies are emerging as a new battleground in the global tech race, with the U.S. and its allies racing to reduce reliance on China.
Renewables Surge Ahead as Solar and Wind Dominate Energy Landscape
The renewable energy revolution is in full swing, with solar and wind power leading the charge and reshaping the global energy landscape.
Oil Prices Slip as Russian Port Resumes Exports, But Outlook Remains Uncertain
Oil markets took a sharp turn this week as a key Russian export hub resumed operations, but the overall outlook remains uncertain amid global supply and demand dynamics.
AI Surges as Oil Sector Faces Uncertainty
The energy tech landscape is shifting rapidly, with AI startups raising billions while the oil and gas industry grapples with geopolitical tensions and environmental concerns.
AI Demand Drives Cisco's Earnings Beat, But Electricity Shortages Loom
Cisco's AI networking sales surge, but the industry faces a potential power crisis. Meanwhile, oil and gas markets remain volatile as supply and demand dynamics shift.
AI Dominates Energy Sector as Demand Surges, Funding Gap Looms
The AI revolution is sweeping through the energy industry, driving unprecedented demand for chips and data centers. But who will fund the $2.9 trillion needed to power this transformation?
China's $468 Billion Energy Surge Reshapes Global Oil Markets
China's massive investments in domestic oil and gas production are shaking up global energy markets, as the world's largest importer ramps up self-sufficiency.
AI Disruption Across the Energy Sector: Trends and Implications
The energy industry is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by the rise of artificial intelligence. This post analyzes the latest developments and their market impact.
Non-OPEC Oil Production Surge Led by Brazil, Guyana, and Argentina
Emerging markets in South America are poised to drive the next wave of non-OPEC oil production growth, according to industry analysis. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions and regulatory pressures are shaping the global energy landscape.
Non-OPEC Oil Production Surges as Brazil, Guyana, and Argentina Lead the Way
A deep dive into the latest trends shaping the global oil market, with a focus on the rising production from non-OPEC countries like Brazil, Guyana, and Argentina.
Renewables Sector Faces Headwinds Amid Policy Shifts and Supply Chain Challenges
Recent news highlights the impact of policy changes and global supply chain disruptions on the renewable energy industry, with implications for investment strategies and operational priorities.
U.S. LNG Exports Soar as Europe Seeks to Reduce Russian Gas Dependence
U.S. LNG developers have signed record-breaking export deals as Europe rushes to secure alternative gas supplies, while policy shifts and mining innovations are also shaping energy markets.
Energy Week in Review: Markets, Gas, and Mining Trends
Recent energy reporting highlights key developments in markets, gas, mining. Analysis of 46 articles from authoritative sources reveals emerging trends shaping the industry.
Energy Week in Review: Markets, Mining, and Ai Trends
Recent energy reporting highlights key developments in markets, mining, ai. Analysis of 149 articles from authoritative sources reveals emerging trends shaping the industry.