Shell, the British energy major, reported adjusted earnings of $6.92 billion for the first quarter of 2026, surpassing analyst expectations of $6.1 billion according to an LSEG-compiled consensus and $6.36 billion from a company-provided forecast. This marks a significant increase from $5.58 billion in the same period a year ago and $3.26 billion in the previous quarter, with the surge attributed to soaring energy prices following the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28, 2026 [1][2].
The impact of the Iran war extended beyond oil, catalyzing a shift toward renewables. Wind power giants Vestas and Orsted both reported stronger-than-expected profits for the first quarter, with Orsted specifically citing the Iran war as a key driver for accelerating clean tech investment. Norway’s Equinor, primarily an oil and gas major, also posted its strongest quarterly profit in three years, benefitting from elevated fossil fuel prices and highlighting the boost to its transition industries. Equinor’s CFO, Torgrim Reitan, noted that the energy transition drivers have shifted from decarbonization to energy security, self-sufficiency, and independence, particularly in Europe [2].
Equinor is advancing three large offshore wind projects in the U.S., Poland, and U.K., with the U.K. development slated to become the world's largest offshore wind farm upon completion. Analysts expect the energy shock from the Iran war to prompt increased investment in clean energy resources, benefiting companies with exposure to green technology. Reitan emphasized that current events are likely to enhance returns in transition industries, reinforcing the company's commitment to delivering ongoing projects and seeking significant returns from its clean tech division [2].
Orsted's CEO highlighted the urgency to accelerate Europe's energy transition, pointing to offshore wind as a key component. He remarked that Europe spends billions weekly on fossil fuel imports, but the situation could change with a shift toward renewables. The Iran war has thus reaffirmed the need for energy security and independence, driving momentum behind both fossil fuel and renewable energy sectors [2].
CONCLUSION
The Iran war has triggered a surge in profits for both oil majors and renewable energy companies, with Shell, Vestas, Orsted, and Equinor all beating quarterly estimates. The crisis has shifted the focus of the energy transition toward security and independence, prompting expectations of increased investment in clean tech. Market sentiment is positive, with high impact anticipated across both traditional and renewable energy sectors.