Geopolitics led energy coverage after strikes on Iran raised concerns about global prices and risks to critical infrastructure, including oil refineries and LNG facilities. The State of the Union spotlighted a new data center power initiative asking Big Tech to help keep electricity affordable. States weighed regulating data center energy use, taxing EV charging, and restricting solar on farmland. AI remained a focus, with Anthropic and Sam Altman’s comments on AI vs. human energy use.

Oil mentions were driven by events in Venezuela and Iran affecting crude prices, fears that Europe could face another energy crisis, and debate over the EPA’s rescinding of the endangerment finding. Gas, solar, and nuclear coverage centered on funding and new generation to meet AI demand. Nuclear highlighted fuel recycling and the administration's plans to build 10 reactors by 2030. Space-based data centers sparked debate among tech executives.

Sentiment remained the same (35% neutral or negative) as geopolitical tensions grew throughout February.

Trade coverage was driven by rising costs and demand, with deeper reporting on the feasibility of Trump’s promises to lower energy prices and which generation sources could realistically deliver relief. Democrats featured prominently in affordability debates as midterms approach. Attention to oil and capacity declined, while added transmission capacity gained traction as a near-term, scalable solution to ease grid constraints, unlock supply, and improve consumer costs.

Government policy was a defining force in global energy this month, as countries adjusted strategies around energy security and economic stability. Developments ranged from Wales’ stalled Hendy wind project and the UK’s £1 billion investment in community energy to a U.S.-backed revival of Venezuela’s oil sector and India’s push to diversify supply. At the same time, the Trump administration advanced a fossil-fuel-focused agenda, including efforts to revive U.S. coal and a major U.S.–India trade deal that lowers tariffs and could see India purchase up to $500 billion in American energy and goods while curbing Russian oil imports.

Global energy systems continue to shift as countries balance energy security, economic pressure, and the transition to cleaner power. Projects like the China–Laos cross-border grid and India’s renewable expansion highlight rising demand and regional cooperation, while Saudi Arabia and renewed nuclear investment signal diversification. At the same time, market pressures are mounting, from surging U.S. crude inventories and the UK’s rising energy costs to growing debate in Canada over how to better leverage its domestic energy resources.