Global Roundup: Solar Rally, Iran Internet Returns, Vanadium Batteries
A solar stock surge, geopolitical connectivity, and a new battery technology hold implications for energy markets and North Dakota operators.
Solar stocks are rallying sharply in 2026, with the UBS Solar basket (UBXXSOL) up 40% year-to-date and 33% in May alone, according to OilPrice.com. The primary catalyst is the looming decision on Section 232 tariffs, expected in mid-to-late June. First Solar is leading the charge, trading near $268. Analyst Catherine Gordon notes the dynamic has been "buy the rumor and buy the news," with momentum building ahead of the expected policy update.
For Bakken operators, a surge in solar investment and potential tariffs on imports could signal shifting dynamics in the broader energy landscape and power procurement strategies. UBS flagged the residential solar rally in stocks like SolarEdge and Enphase as potentially vulnerable to fading.
Iran has reconnected to the internet after an 88-day nationwide blackout imposed during its war with the United States and Israel, OilPrice.com reported. The shutdown began on February 28. Monitoring groups reported a partial restoration on May 26, though connectivity levels remain debated and heavily filtered.
Netblocks reported connectivity at around 80% of pre-January levels, while Kentik put traffic levels at around 41%. The restoration offers a tentative return to global information flows for the major oil-producing nation, which had been in "digital darkness." The geopolitical situation remains a key factor for global oil market stability.
Emerging vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) technology could challenge lithium-ion's dominance in energy storage, OilPrice.com reports. VRFBs store energy in liquid electrolytes containing vanadium ions, offering greater safety with no fire or explosion risk. They are seen as a promising solution for long-term storage to support grids reliant on variable wind and solar power.
The technology boasts a long life cycle, ease of operation, and high scalability, making it ideal for utility-scale applications. However, VRFBs have lower energy density than lithium batteries and are sensitive to extreme temperatures. The development of competing large-scale storage solutions is relevant for Bakken operators considering future power infrastructure and the integration of associated gas or renewable power.
Source
OilPrice.com (May 28, 2026)
