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Intelligence for the New World Economy

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Intelligence for the New World Economy
Semafor World Economy

Semafor Energy

Middle East war sparks global economic, energy disruption

Qatar’s energy minister told the Financial Times regional exporters may have to shut down oil and gas production within days.
Ras Tanura oil refinery in Saudi Arabia after a drone attack.Ras Tanura oil refinery in Saudi Arabia after a drone attack. Vantor/Handout via Reuters.

China announces new climate targets in 5-year plan

The plan reaffirmed China’s conviction to “fully implement” the UN’s climate convention and the Paris Agreement.
China’s NPC opening session at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing.Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

Big Tech pledges to cover AI data center power costs

Executives from Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, xAI, Oracle, and OpenAI signed a “ratepayer protection pledge.”
An Amazon data center. Jonathan Ernst/File Photo/Reuters

Mideast should look to Kyiv for energy defense lessons

Ukraine has the most experience in both managing an onslaught against its power plants, and finding ways to strike its adversary’s energy infrastructure.
Rescuers remove debris at a thermal power plant damaged by Russian missile strikes in Ukraine.Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters

Renewables to the rescue?

Surging prices for oil and gas, on their own, should improve the economic competitiveness of non-fossil energy sources.
Solar panels in Saudi Arabia.Fahad Shadeed/Reuters

Iran strikes disrupt global energy flows

Oil and gas prices have spiked since the strikes began, as the conflict hit Iran’s exports and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tankers are seen off the coast of the Fujairah in the Strait of Hormuz.Amr Alfiky/File Photo/Reuters

US renewables hit record high despite Trump pushback

More than a quarter of US electricity came from renewable sources in 2025, up from 10% the prior year, the EIA found.

Russia could gain from surge in global oil prices

Western governments may be less inclined to enforce existing sanctions or apply new ones in a highly-constrained energy market.

Insurance rates for tankers passing through Hormuz could double

Many insurers are cancelling pre-existing war risk policies and looking to renegotiate at higher prices, a leading broker told Semafor.

Iran conflict creates windfall for US LNG exporters

Gas prices in Europe jumped more than 20% on Tuesday.

Don’t underestimate Iran’s ability to block oil trade

The biggest question in global energy markets this week is how willing and able Iran will be to enforce the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran attack is Trump’s riskiest energy bet yet

“The name of the game is to move as much oil away from the Strait of Hormuz as possible right now.”

US tech firms set to sign energy pledge

US tech giants are expected to sign a pledge next week to build or buy their own energy supplies to power data centers.

The problem with Trump’s data center power plan

Trump’s plan to hold down rising power prices associated with data centers could waste a massive investment opportunity.

US solar manufacturers protected by tariffs

The tariffs provide a new degree of trade protection against Chinese competitors.

The Sierra Club has a plan to fight Trump — and fix itself

The head of the largest US green group, which has been rocked by internal strife, said coalitions around social justice issues are key to fighting Trump’s climate rollbacks.

Data centers hit by power delays, equipment shortages

Some hyperscalers weigh the benefits of pursuing on-site power generation instead, a new Sightline Climate report found.

Europe should brace for Russian energy attacks, ex-CIA analyst says

A former CIA analyst warned of the potential energy threats in a report first shared with Semafor.