Be There Before®
Welcome to the Be There Before (BTB), Energy – your view into what's driving the conversation in the energy industry. This proprietary look at established, emerging, and social media landscapes comprises data from a treasure trove of tools and expert analysis from INK's energy team. We determine who is talking, where they're talking, what they're talking about, and why. In-depth monitoring, analysis, and going beneath the surface of what's trending is critical to bringing value to our clients. Our aptly named BTBs are just one of the tools we use to Be There Before® for our clients.
Tariffs, politics, and data centers continue to make up the energy conversation trifecta. We also saw the lights go out in the Iberian Peninsula. Questions about what could happen to world power systems, how to prevent risks, and what solutions are needed will continue into May. With the backdrop of tariffs and outages, stories are taking a more global lens.
Focus on tariffs, energy policy, and the Trump administration are sticking around. Reporters and editors are saying they have to cover these topics, and they have to ask you about it. Spokespeople should be prepared and find opportunities to use these questions as a bridge to discuss how your business is critical to answering energy needs.
With policies and costs playing hand in hand, we’re seeing media interest in understanding the ins and outs of project financing. And with everyone getting into the data center game, your best chance of breaking through is being able to talk about the value of what you do, regardless of the audience and topic. Don’t discount foundational awareness of and education about your solutions. While we may think the basics of batteries or natural gas are "been there, done that," stories about their applications and advantages still interest your audiences.
“Trump” and “Tariffs” remained dominant topics in April, with “Tariffs” seeing nearly 400 more mentions than March, after President Trump announced a new 145% tax on imports from China. Conversations around the tariffs focused on supply chain, grid, and consumer impacts. Coverage showed increasing confusion due to exemptions and classifications, signaling difficulties for companies to plan, build, and figure out costs for projects. New terms like “American” and “Battery” also emerged, reflecting increasing focus on domestic manufacturing and ensuring grid resiliency amid tariff-driven supply changes.
Solar led SOV in April with its highest 2025 share to date, driven by a resurgence of solar project development news and widespread coverage of tariffs on Southeast Asian solar imports. In contrast, Oil and Gas both dipped in April following significant coverage spikes in March surrounding the impacts of President Trump's proposed tariffs on Mexico as well as CERAWeek mentions.
Click to ScrollTrade outlets focused on clean energy momentum and rising political uncertainty, particularly around offshore wind and solar. The second Trump administration drew sharp attention after halting construction on Empire Wind, a project that previously had full federal approval. The move introduced renewed uncertainty for offshore wind. This type of executive intervention is highly unusual, raising legal and procedural concerns within the industry. Analysts noted that such actions could erode investor confidence and stall future development if political reversals threaten project viability.
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IMF study shows concern — but not panic — over AI's climate toll
Q&A: Top energy Republican talks reconciliation, IRA repeals
Spain and Portugal Look for Cause of Widespread Blackout
U.S. Needs More Power for AI—but Critical Equipment Is Pricey and Scarce
Trump and the Abstract Art of the Unilateral Deal
Big Oil braced for worst year since pandemic as bumper profits recede
US LNG exports surge to new highs on strong buying by Europe
AWS, Microsoft Slow Down Data Center Deployments
Smaller, public utilities see growth potential in data centers, but there are risks: APPA
Mentions of “World” jumped 23% MoM as conversations focused on how US-China tariffs are shaking up global oil prices and raising concerns about energy stability. “Prices” also gained traction, with many pointing to tariffs as a key factor behind rising energy costs and economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, “Renewable Energy” rose 12%, driven by growing support for clean energy investments to tackle climate change and boost energy independence.
#RenewableEnergy rose to the second-most used hashtag as conversations highlighted India’s 500 GW goal and cities like Sydney running on 100% clean energy. #ActOnClimate jumped 33% MoM with calls for companies like Shell to pay for climate damage. Scientists have also issued urgent warnings, underscoring the need for immediate action on the escalating global climate crisis. #Maharashtra entered the top 5 most-used hashtags as the state pushes for major solar and EV goals.
VP, Comms
Director, Content
Director, Digital
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Senior Manager, Energy Comms
Senior Manager, Energy Comms
Senior Associate
