During the “Superbowl of the energy industry” at CERAWeek Conference in Houston, Texas, the Avoq Insights team through our Live Social Media Dashboard tracked 10,200 social media posts on X (Twitter) to understand what moments from the conference were resonating online amongst media and stakeholders. Here are our takeaways:
- A Bold Declaration to Open the Conference Goes Viral Online
Just like last year when Sultan al-Jaber, Chief Executive of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and President-designate of the COP28 climate summit, said, “Houston, We Have a Problem,” this year, Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Hassan Nasser stated, “We should abandon the fantasy of phasing out oil and gas.” While al-Jaber was addressing the need for companies to do more to limit global warming, Nasser’s comments resonated widely among online audiences, especially through Bloomberg Reporter Javier Blas. His social media post on X (Twitter) garnered over 250,000 views and was reposted more than 450 times, making it one of the most viral posts from the conference by most metrics.
- Energy Transition and Security Were Key Themes
The topic wheel in the Live Dashboard showed us CERAWeek themes as they were unfolding. Overall, the conversation was marked by pivotal topics such as the energy transition, natural gas and oil sectors. Leaders and executives highlighted the challenges and status of the transition, emphasizing the urgency of responding swiftly to clean energy demands. They shared strategies to deploying clean technology within innovative business models. Participants urged industries to embrace the evolving clean energy trajectory, with a focus on boosting domestic oil and gas production for economic stability. Noteworthy discussions also included advocacy for a diverse energy mix and the confidence of U.S. gas producers in LNG investments, all underlining the importance of a balanced approach to energy security across various energy sources.
- U.S. Policymakers Participated in the Online Conversation
Between March 18th and 22nd there were 25 social posts from U.S. policymakers that directly mentioned “CERAWeek.” Popular posts came from Secretary Granholm who provided the luncheon keynote, the office of Houston Mayor John Whitmire, who noted representatives from 85 countries are participating in the conference, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy (R), urging the Biden administration to streamline mine permitting for domestic mineral supplies and metals essential for the energy transition and U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK), who advocated for ending the LNG export ban.
- Natural Gas Was the Most Discussed Sector
Using the Live Online Dashboard, we could see the online conversation taking place in real time as well as segment the conversation to understand the emphasis of various sectors at the conference. This year, Natural Gas was by far the most discussed, which makes sense considering all the attention on the LNG export ban, industry M&A activity and growing power demand from data centers across the United States.
- X (Twitter) Remains Relevant
Last year, we tracked just over 12,300 social posts amongst 5,000 authors discussing CERAWeek 2023. This year, we tracked 10,200 social posts from 5,550 authors discussing CERAWeek 2024. We were particularly interested to compare the CERAWeek conversation on X (Twitter), as we know from our forthcoming Media Habits Survey that usage of X (Twitter) is down with 45% of DC Policy Insiders saying they use the platform daily compared to 65% in 2023. With more energy authors discussing CERAWeek this year, we continue to see meaningful conversations amongst media, industry and policymakers on the platform.
About Avoq’s Live Social Media Dashboard
Avoq’s proprietary live social media dashboard software monitors online conversations that helps clients make informed decisions related to their stakeholder, messaging and media engagement goals. The dashboard monitors X (Twitter) and considers conversation volume, trending key topics and audience segmentation. The dashboard is fully customizable depending on the specific topic or issue you want to focus on and is accessible 24/7. To learn more about how you can utilize Avoq’s dashboard for your goals, reach out to insights@teamavoq.com.
About Jonathan
Jonathan specializes in policy and data-driven public affairs, campaign development and geopolitical risk insights. He analyzes dynamics among the private sector, the regional economy, infrastructure and government policy to advise client strategy. Prior to joining Avoq, Jonathan worked at the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce as an analyst supporting government affairs operations. Before that, he served as an intern in the policy division at the New York City Council, working on issues such as transportation and economic development.
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About Shafian
Shafian specializes in political and policy research, opposition research and news and social media analysis. He works with clients across industries and sectors, including energy and New York State politics. Shafian’s work entails developing in-depth research products such as background and political research memos, competitor analysis, geopolitical analysis and power mapping. Before joining Avoq, Shafian worked as a legislative and intergovernmental affairs intern for the New York City Fire Department. He also served as an intergovernmental affairs intern for the Office of the New York State Attorney General and as a constituent affairs intern for Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).
