One emerging theme at CERA Week, currently underway in Houston, is the need for major oil companies to reduce capital expenditure amid range-bound oil prices and escalating costs. Chevron CEO John Watson reportedly said “One hundred dollars per barrel is becoming the new $20, in our business.” So ostensibly oil prices need to increase by… Keep reading →
The idea that global oil production was nearing its peak, only to plateau and then decline was a common view in the energy world for many years. The geophysicist M. King Hubbert predicted in the 1950’s that US oil production would peak in the 1970’s, a forecast that held true until technology allowed companies to… Keep reading →
Majority government-owned Danish utility Dong Energy recently brought in new investors that included two Danish pension funds and US investment bank Goldman Sachs. The Danish public strongly opposed Goldman’s involvement due to several aspects of the deal’s structure and the degree of control Goldman would receive with its 19% equity stake in the company. This… Keep reading →
Anyone who follows the energy business has by now heard about the recent 60 Minutes segment “The Cleantech Crash,” that basically said cleantech is dead. Understandably, the blow back from cleantech industry stakeholders has been harsh, loud and swift. However, while cleantech is certainly not dead and some VC firms even remain bullish, the story… Keep reading →
With all the fast moving trends flowing through the global energy business today – from shifting natural gas market dynamics, US oil & gas production increases, climate change issues and workforce demographics – it’s always interesting to hear which markets energy company executives are focusing on. Ernst & Young Global Oil & Gas Leader, Dale… Keep reading →
No doubt the Energy and Utilities industry has witnessed increasing complexity and significant challenges in recent years, centering around compliance issues, competitive pricing pressures, and business continuity. These issues, amongst others, will remain the focus for Board and Management’s corporate strategy and 2014 planning meetings around the world. Looking back on year 2013, and ahead… Keep reading →
SolarCity and Vivint Solar vie for personnel, funding, technology and customers in residential solar. We spoke with Brendon Merkley, the COO of Vivint Solar just last month. Vivint is the second largest solar installer in the U.S. behind SolarCity (SCTY). GTM has learned from sources close to the company that Merkley has resigned to join… Keep reading →
Chesapeake Energy, co-founded by flamboyant and freewheeling Aubrey McClendon, appears to be successfully restructuring in the wake of the former chairman and CEO’s departure. The company today announced positive Q3 earnings and analysts rewarded its upbeat outlook, but investors were less impressed, as share prices were down almost 7% by late afternoon. “We upgrade… Keep reading →
Chesapeake Energy – one of the largest US independent natural gas producers – continues restructuring in the wake of founder, chairman and CEO Aubrey McClendon’s departure. The company just let go 4 top executives, including the COO, EVP of production, SVP of drilling and SVP of human and corporate resources. “Termination without cause would provide… Keep reading →
