Trend-spotting the hottest topics in energy
Top-5 hot topics when 2022 opened
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Top-5 hot topics at the close of 2022
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What does AES trend-spotting mean? Is the energy sector chasing fads? Or, is the sector finding alternatives within the fossil fuel sector (as opposed to alternatives to fossil fuel). Contact us for more information about our data-driven insights.
Top Energy Stories in 2022, by month
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Surprise attack? Was Russia's invasion of Ukraine expected?
Consider a few events just before the invasion on February 24, 2022:
Consider a few events just before the invasion on February 24, 2022:
- In the two quarters before the invasion, the US was increasing exports of liquefied natural gas to Europe (exceeding Russia’s pipeline deliveries); and, production and inventories of global O&G companies (private and NOCs) were the highest in 30+ years.
- The quarter before the invasion, the US FERC fast-tracked approval of a second wave of natural gas export terminals.
- Weeks before the invasion, Kazakhstan was paralyzed by fuel riots and protests and Russia immediately sent in troops.
- On January 28, US diplomats warned Russia that "any aggressive military activity" would compromise the Nord Stream II pipeline.
- Five days before the invasion, Ukraine conducts a 3-day energy war game to test if the country could disconnect from Russia's supply of power and fuel.
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ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THE ENERGY SECTOR IN 2022?
'CONFLICT'
'CONFLICT'
There are a lot of words that can be used to describe the energy sector in 2022; however, we believe that "conflict" best captures the themes that defined 2022.
Consider just a few examples ...
What is your best single word to describe 2022?
The most common word submitted by AES Members was "coercion," but our favorite word that was submitted by an AES member is "ostrich."
Note: the word that AES Editors' used to describe 2021 was "vulnerable," which seems prescient in hindsight.
Consider just a few examples ...
- The weaponization of energy by Russia.
- The manipulation of markets by OPEC+.
- The polarization of partisan politics in the US.
- The exploitation of developing countries by China and its Belt & Road Initiative.
- The frustration of the EU with Germany's self-interest.
What is your best single word to describe 2022?
The most common word submitted by AES Members was "coercion," but our favorite word that was submitted by an AES member is "ostrich."
Note: the word that AES Editors' used to describe 2021 was "vulnerable," which seems prescient in hindsight.