Powerful new players enter the utilities sector
Oil and gas companies are entering the utilities market—aiming to take advantage of rapid market transformation
In the last few years, an increasing number of International Oil Companies (IOCs) have entered the utilities sector—especially those with headquarters in Europe. Shell, for example, has taken a series of strategic decisions to grab a share of this market. The company has now installed more than 10GW of generating capacity in North America, of which one-third is from renewable resources. It has also invested in offshore wind near the Netherlands, acquired First Utility in the UK to supply gas and energy services to domestic consumers, and entered the US supply market through MP2 Energy, while also buying into US and Asian solar power generation through EV vehicle charging and battery technol
Also in this section
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
31 March 2026
Disappointing results in its bidding round are a reality check for Libya, and global exploration generally
