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
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage
10 March 2026
Eni’s director for global gas and LNG portfolio, Cristian Signoretto, discusses how demand will respond to rising LNG supply, and how the company is expanding its own gas and LNG operations through disciplined, capital-efficient investments
9 March 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis sees increases in output from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan among others before region’s murky descent






