Axios

The Middle East conflict is driving some countries to accelerate their renewable energy plans, a new International Energy Agency report shows.

Why it matters: The war's effect on LNG and oil supplies is spurring what could be lasting changes in energy markets and policy decisions.

Nyquis, a startup providing grid-monitoring technology, raised $6.3 million in seed funding led by Gigascale Capital and South Park Commons.

Why it matters: The financing comes as extreme weather heightens power supply risks, energy demand is rising, and a bipartisan push is underway to greatly expand U.S. transmission.

Oil prices fell sharply Wednesday as traders weigh signs — including a widely circulated post by Vice President JD Vance — that the midterm election will add pressure on the White House to find an offramp from the Iran conflict.

Why it matters: Elections have consequences.

At Axios House during the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Week on Sept. 21, Nicholas Johnston sat down with Eric Gray, chief executive officer (CEO) of GE Vernova's Power segment, to discuss rising energy demand, the role of gas and nuclear power and the technologies needed to power the future.

Democrats' big night gives them a chance to turn voter anger over high energy prices into legislative action and congressional oversight, but divisions within the party could complicate their plans.

Why it matters: This was an energy election.

CVR Energy, controlled by Carl Icahn, agreed to buy two U.S. refineries and a related marketing business from Marathon Petroleum for $4.2 billion.

Why it matters: Refining margins are wide, due to supply and demand imbalances caused by the Russia/Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East.

There's a lot at stake for energy in the midterms, from the fate of the bipartisan permitting deal to the growing backlash against data centers and electricity prices.

Why it matters: The results could spotlight which energy topics resonate with voters — and which have become political liabilities.

U.S. diesel futures registered a muted response to Monday's tumble in global crude oil prices, with the suddenly politically salient price of the industrial fuel still up more than 100% from the end of 2025.

Why it matters: It shows that the destruction of global refining infrastructure, rather than shortages of crude oil, is the key to soaring diesel costs right now.

The U.S., Russia and Ukraine will hold peace talks in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 10-11 in an effort to reach a breakthrough on a deal to end the war.

Why it matters: U.S. officials say the meeting to restart a diplomatic effort suspended in February due to the war in Iran is a result of talks President Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent weeks.

Communities across the U.S. courting data centers face an economic bargain: billions in private investment and potentially lucrative tax revenue, alongside mounting public backlash.

Case in point: New Albany, Ohio, a 22-square-mile Columbus suburb, has spent more than a decade welcoming data centers. Today, it has roughly 40 facilities operated by Meta, Google, Amazon and others.