Be There Before®
As we close out the year, the focus is on results and impact. Internationally, there’s the upcoming outcome of COP30 and geopolitical relationships with Russia and China that could influence the supply of and investment in oil and gas, nuclear advancement, and critical minerals. Nationally, rising electricity prices continue to be at the top of the “what are we going to do about it” list, and infrastructure has become everyone’s favorite word. Data centers are redefining their role as solvers of grid issues, and renewables might be redefining their purpose due to funding cuts.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR COMMS PROS:
- Get more specific. Your data, business results, and predictions are important, but reporters are asking for more detail and data dissection of specific verticals, events, projects, and customers.
- Get real about what your business is doing. Everyone’s an infrastructure company. Everyone’s an innovative tech company. Everyone’s a solution for data centers. Get more information from your business development and product teams about what they’re doing. Are we changing how we install? Are we starting new programs with hyperscalers? Are we forming new partnerships or partnering in new ways? Are we piloting innovations? Where are we putting R&D investment?
"AI" surged to one of the top terms, reflecting continued growth in data and data centers and rising focus on their role in addressing the energy demand crisis through gas and nuclear partnerships or load flexibility. "Democrats" also emerged amid clashes over federal influence on state energy policy, including DOE’s cancellation of hundreds of clean projects in blue states. At a macro level, AI-driven demand is heightening pressure on supply and deepening political divides.
Coverage reflected a shifting energy narrative: while grid policy gained renewed attention as a matter of national competitiveness, investment stories centered on funding cuts and global rivalry. At the same time, innovation coverage turned more optimistic, highlighting how AI and digital tools are driving new efficiency and growth across the energy sector.
Oil and gas dominated October’s energy coverage as the U.S. imposed new sanctions on Russia, OPEC+ made supply moves, and the DOE’s cancellation of hundreds of clean energy projects reinforced the Trump administration’s support for fossil fuel expansion. Subsequently, mentions of wind and solar fell amid the pullback in clean energy funding, while debates over affordability and rising demand renewed focus on nuclear as a solution to reliability and cost concerns.
Click to ScrollMonth over month, we saw similar terms in energy trade coverage despite two big federal events. First, the government shutdown is halting existing conversations on permitting reform, renewables growth, and critical grid updates. Second, the DOE announced a push to accelerate grid interconnection in hopes of meeting the energy demand needed to expand AI and data centers.
Click to Scroll
Exclusive: Nvidia backs new data center to reduce electricity spikes
US Power-Demand Boom Poses Hard Choices for Utilities
Why the Price of Electricity Is Spiking Around the Country
U.S. Crude Oil Stockpiles Fall More Than Expected
US E&Ps Watch, Wait for Impact from Tough Oil Sanctions on Russia
Why did Newsom veto California’s virtual-power-plant bills?
AI’s insatiable need for power is driving an unexpected boom in oil-fracking company stocks
Unpacking DOE’s proposal to transform data center interconnection
Indian Oil buys Russian crude from non-sanctioned entities, sources say
“Power” rose 24% MoM as interest in nuclear energy grew, and wind and solar surpassed coal in global generation. Nuclear is resurging as nations seek reliable, low-carbon power, with the U.S. Army’s Janus Program advancing next-gen reactors and global capacity set to triple by 2030. “World” climbed 32% MoM amid U.S.–Russia energy tensions, while “Infrastructure” rose with European refinery blasts exposing system vulnerabilities.
Mentions of #CleanEnergy rose 199% MoM as the International Solar Alliance promoted solar energy’s role in global sustainability. Related tags like #VoicesForSolar and #AmbitionToAction gained traction, while #Sustainability surged amid growing global investments, innovation, and national commitments to clean energy and net-zero goals.
November 2025
Candice Eng
VP, Comms
Abby O'Connor
Director, Content
Julie Cordell
Director, Digital
Liz Benavides
Senior Manager, Energy Comms
Reagan Costa
Senior Manager, Energy Comms
Allison Ralston
Senior Associate