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The Edge

Weekly insights from our chairman and chief analyst, Simon Flowers, on the issues shaping your industry

 

Meet our Chief Analyst

Welcome to the Edge, the exclusive column from our Chairman & Chief Analyst, Simon Flowers. Drawing on the expertise, intelligence, deep insight and data from across the business, Simon gives his views on the subjects driving debate and shaping our markets.

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Latest Post

The Edge: Asian NOCs, the energy transition and ESG

Where does Asia stand on the energy transition? What are energy companies in the region doing to adapt? Are some further down the road than others? Much of LNG’s strong growth outlook reflects Asian demand but are its credentials as a bridging fuel for the transition all that good? And what does the US-China trade dispute mean for the region?

Recent Posts

Private equity – big buyers of oil and gas in the downturn

Private equity firms have been among the big buyers of oil and gas assets in the last few years, taking advantage of portfolio restructuring among traditional players during the downturn. What’s the plan for success? And how are the exit options shaping up?

How to stay investible – the oil industry’s challenge

Big Oil faces sluggish oil demand, weak gas prices, the energy transition and the implications of next year’s US Presidential election. How can Big Oil stay investible in this environment?

The Majors have got bigger – but are they better?

Bigger the Majors may be, but are the companies better placed to cope with future price uncertainty and the energy transition? Find out in this week's Edge.

Shipping fuels, crude oil markets and the environment

How will the new IMO 2020 regulations affect the demand for different crudes? Will the refining industry cope with the change specification? Who will be the winners and losers among producers and refiners? Latest analysis here.

Big Oil leaders take on the climate challenge

Thirteen of the largest companies have signed up for the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative, committing them to support the Paris Agreement and introduce efforts to curb their greenhouse gas emissions. But there's still a long way to go to meet the Paris Agreement objectives.

Australia and the Majors – is change on the horizon?

The Majors are looking to boost returns by portfolio high-grading and have embarked upon a phase of divestment. Everywhere is under the spotlight, including Australia. Which assets might the Majors look to sell?

Challenges to tight oil’s growth as spend tapers

How is US tight oil performing in this febrile environment? Simon Flowers asks R.T. Dukes and his team of Lower 48 researchers.

Saudi attack, geopolitics and oil markets

The attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure took out over 5% of global oil supply and temporarily pushed up prices by 20%. What does the attack say about the security of oil’s supply chain?

Challenges in a growing LNG market

LNG is on track for prodigious growth in the next two decades. Is the traditional business model that’s worked for six decades fit for purpose? How should a 21st-century LNG player tool up to maximise value?