Before it was Expand Energy, the largest natural gas-weighted exploration and production company in the U.S., it was Chesapeake Energy. This company faced and survived nearly every extreme the energy industry could throw, including bankruptcy. With its recent $7.4 billion merger with Southwestern Energy, Expand Energy has achieved a new milestone: it’s the largest natural gas producer in the U.S., powered by substantial reserves and resources across crucial shale regions.

The rapid growth of natural gas production in the Permian Basin is pushing existing infrastructure to its limits, and additional pipeline projects are on the horizon to meet rising demand, according to East Daley Analytics. Despite ongoing price volatility—marked by repeated declines—demand for expanded energy markets continues to surge.

Landfills are essential to America’s waste management system, yet they face several operational, environmental, and regulatory challenges. With over 2600 active municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills across the country, they occupy an average of more than 600 acres, which is roughly equivalent to 500 football fields. Methane emissions from landfills contribute significantly to global warming, accounting for 15.1% of U.S. methane emissions. As the waste sector is a major contributor to methane emissions, there is a growing emphasis on improved monitoring, reduction technologies, and the integration of renewable natural gas (RNG) solutions to mitigate the impacts of these emissions.

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has hit Florida hard, with Hurricanes Helene and Milton exposing the vulnerabilities in the state's energy infrastructure. As Florida grapples with the aftermath of these back-to-back storms, the damage to oil, gas, and energy supplies has created severe disruptions, leaving residents and industries struggling to recover.

A significant portion of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico's oil and natural gas production has come to a halt as Tropical Storm Francine barrels toward Louisiana, threatening the region's crucial energy infrastructure. In what is shaping up to be one of the most impactful events for U.S. energy this year, approximately 24% of crude oil production and 26% of natural gas output in the Gulf are now offline, according to the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). Francine, with winds reaching 65 mph (100 kph), is currently situated 380 miles (610 km) southwest of Morgan City, Louisiana, and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by the end of the day. The storm's trajectory is causing widespread disruptions to offshore operations in the Gulf, which plays a vital role in the country’s energy supply.

The U.S. oil and natural gas rig count experienced a slight decline, falling by four to a total of 633 rigs for the week ending August 21. Despite this modest drop, industry analysts have noted a surprising resilience in both oil supply and natural gas prices as the year progresses, suggesting that the market may be more robust than previously anticipated.

Investors remain strongly bearish on petroleum prices, even as confidence grows that the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut interest rates to boost consumer and business spending. Last week, fund managers returned to selling oil futures and options, as the brief rally from the previous week quickly lost steam and negative sentiment took hold once again. Hedge funds and other money managers offloaded 48 million barrels across the six major futures and options contracts in the week ending August 20. This marks the sixth time in seven weeks that funds have been sellers, reducing their positions by a staggering 346 million barrels since early July, based on data from exchanges and regulators.

The U.S. natural gas pipeline network is a complex pipeline system that transports natural gas from production areas to consumers nationwide. The pipeline network consists of three main pipeline types: gathering, transmission, and distribution. In 2023, the U.S. had one of the most extensive pipeline networks in the world, with over 2.5 million miles of pipelines transporting oil, natural gas, and other liquids and gases. The pipeline industry continues to invest in new infrastructure to meet growing demand and ensure reliable energy transportation.

The renewable natural gas (RNG) industry in the United States is showing promising signs of growth. As of 2019, the U.S. consumed 261 billion cubic feet (BCF) of RNG, primarily utilized by independent power producers, electric utilities, and various commercial and industrial entities. However, this figure represents only a small fraction of its potential. Research indicates that the U.S. could theoretically produce up to 2,200 BCF of RNG through anaerobic digestion alone, which would equate to about 11% of daily national natural gas consumption.

U.S. oil and gas output is leveling off after a period of intense activity. As of March 2024, crude oil production hovered around 13.2 million barrels per day, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This marked a slight increase of less than half a million barrels per day from the previous year, indicating a slowdown from the rapid growth seen in the latter half of 2023.

Rextag Exclusive: According to the latest data analysis from Rextag Energy DataLink, a substantial natural gas emission event was identified on April 9, 2024. Using satellite technology provided by Carbon Mapper, the data indicates an emission rate of approximately 37,000 kg per hour, equivalent to 1,8 MMCF per hour. While the complete duration of the event is undetermined, assuming it lasted for only an hour, the leaked natural gas is so massive that it’s worth putting into perspective.

Power companies argue that natural gas is essential for meeting energy demands when renewable sources like wind and solar aren't producing enough electricity. Despite the increasing role of renewables, which are setting new records in U.S. power generation and are favored to replace coal, the intermittency of these sources presents challenges that could keep natural gas in the mix through at least 2030. According to the U.S. Energy Information Association, the U.S. has enough natural gas reserves to last approximately 86 years. However, the finite nature of these reserves highlights the need for a continued shift towards more renewable and sustainable energy sources.

In December 2023, the U.S. set a new record by exporting 8.6 million tonnes of LNG. This spike was primarily fueled by two developments: the full return of Freeport LNG, which contributed an additional 6 million tonnes, and an increased output from Venture Global LNG’s Calcasieu Pass facility, adding 3 million tonnes over the previous year. Europe remained the main destination for U.S. LNG, receiving 61% of the exports in December, but this decreased from 68% in November. Asia also increased its imports significantly, taking in 26.6% of the exports, up from 18.5% in November. Latin America accounted for 6% of the exports.

According to the latest report from the EIA, working natural gas stocks in the United States saw a substantial increase. Stocks rose by 79 billion cubic feet (Bcf), bringing the total to 2,563 Bcf. This marks a significant year-over-year increase of 444 Bcf. Current stockpiles are considerably above the five-year average, having grown by 640 Bcf compared to the average of 1,923 Bcf.

The U.S. has overtaken Saudi Arabia and Russia to become the world's largest oil and gas producer. In 2024, America's oil output has surpassed last year's record by 1.4%, reaching new heights. Even as oil-producing countries in the Middle East cut back, the U.S. continued to ramp up production after a downturn in 2020, establishing itself as a dominant force in the global market. In terms of numbers, U.S. oil production jumped from an average of 2.93 million barrels per day in 2023 to 13.12 million barrels per day in 2024, marking a significant 7.1% increase.

The Williston Basin is a big area filled with layers of rock that sits next to the Rocky Mountains in western North Dakota, eastern Montana, and the southern part of Saskatchewan in Canada. This area covers roughly 110,000 square miles. Geologically, it's very similar to the Alberta Basin in Canada. People started drilling for oil in the Williston Basin back in 1936, and by 1954, most of the land where oil could likely be found was already claimed for drilling. The Bakken Formation with parts of Montana, North Dakota, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba has become one of only ten oil fields globally to yield over 1 million barrels per day (bpd) since the late 2000s. It is currently the third-largest U.S. shale oilfield, behind the Permian and Eagle Ford. The boom in the Bakken started around September 2008, coinciding with the U.S. housing market crash. The application of new technologies, such as swell packers enabling multiple-stage fracturing, significantly enhanced oil recovery, making the Bakken Formation a key player in the U.S. In 2022, the Bakken oil field saw big improvements in how much oil and gas it could produce. At the start of the year, 27 drilling rigs were working there, more than double the 11 rigs from the start of 2021. Important upgrades included making the Tioga Gas Plant able to process 150 million cubic feet more gas each day, and making the Dakota Access Pipeline bigger, increasing its oil transport capacity from 570,000 to 750,000 barrels every day.

Continental Resources is expanding its operations in the Midland Basin, including taking over some assets that used to belong to Occidental Petroleum. The company plans to use its expertise in exploration in this area.

Appalachian Basin (formerly Marcellus and Utica) covers most of New York, Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, West Virginia, and Western Maryland in the north, reaching down to parts of Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama in the south. The basin is massive, covering about 185,000 square miles, roughly 1,000 miles long from northeast to southwest, and in some places, it's up to 300 miles wide. In this area, some major companies are making significant investments. EQT stands out as the largest producer in the Appalachian Basin, with other key players including Chesapeake, Range Resources, Antero, Repsol, and Gulfport also actively investing.

Kinder Morgan stands as North America's top independent mover of petroleum products with around 2.4 million barrels daily across the continent. The bulk of this flow happens through its Products Pipelines division, which navigates gasoline, jet fuel, diesel, crude oil, and condensate through a network of about 9,500 miles of pipelines. Alongside, the company maintains roughly 65 liquid terminals that not only store these fuels but also blend in ethanol and biofuels for a green touch.

The Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin, spanning Northern Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, Western Kansas, and parts of Nebraska, stretches from north to south, from north of Cheyenne, Wyoming, down to Colorado Springs. Its primary production field, the Wattenberg gas field, is located in Weld County and Northwestern Adams County in Northeast Colorado. Oil and gas production in the D-J Basin traces back to a discovery in Boulder County, Colorado, in 1901, marking a long history of energy development in the area. The basin is highly productive, primarily due to its stacked plays, similar to those in other regions like the Anadarko Basin (with its SCOOP and STACK plays) and the Permian Basin. This geological feature is a key reason for the high productivity of wells in the DJ Basin.

Continental Resources is actively involved in innovative energy projects to enhance oil production and environmental sustainability. The company has invested $250 million in the world's largest carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project, a partnership with Summit Carbon Solutions. This project aims to capture CO2 from industrial sources in the Midwest and store it in North Dakota's Williston Basin, where Continental has significant experience and presence​​​​. In the Powder River Basin, Continental has expanded its operations by acquiring 400,000 acres. It is now the second-largest producer in this area, achieving high initial productivity from its Niobrara wells. The company aims to develop a competitive program across its portfolio, drawing on its successes in the Williston Basin​​. In the Williston Basin, known for its Bakken play, Continental is enhancing oil recovery through innovative well completion designs and exploring the potential of refracturing existing wells. These efforts are part of Continental's broader strategy to increase oil extraction efficiency and contribute to environmental sustainability.

In Wyoming during 2023, the oil and gas industry experienced various trends and developments. Wyoming ranked 8th nationally in both crude oil and natural gas production, significantly contributing to the economy through property and severance taxes. The state had a peak of 27,951 producing wells in 2022, including oil and gas wells, with 33 operating gas plants processing nearly 97% of the state's gas production. Notably, 21 of Wyoming's 23 counties produce oil and/or natural gas, with Converse County leading in crude oil production and Sublette County in natural gas production​​. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicted that crude oil production across the United States would increase to 12.8 million b/d in 2024. Throughout 2023, oil production in Wyoming showed an upward trend, with more than 95 million barrels expected to be produced, an increase of about 3 million barrels from 2022. This rise in oil production was partly attributed to the completion of 110 newly drilled oil wells in the first half of the year, mainly in the Powder River Basin. However, natural gas production faced a decline due to the aging of wells and a low number of new gas wells being completed. Only 18 new gas wells were finished in the first half of 2023, with a noted interest in drilling applications, suggesting potential future developments.

Enbridge Inc. has completed a $6.6 billion purchase of The East Ohio Gas Co., an Ohio natural gas company, from Dominion Energy. This acquisition is part of a larger $14 billion merger and acquisition deal previously announced by the two companies. The East Ohio Gas Co. will operate under the new name Enbridge Gas Ohio (EOG) and become part of Enbridge's Gas Distribution and Storage Business Unit, including taking on some debt as mentioned by Dominion.

The Haynesville Shale play, located in northwestern Louisiana and eastern Texas, was recognized in March 2008. Petrohawk Energy Corp. and Chesapeake Energy Corp. had leased acreages in Louisiana, bringing fame to the region. The Haynesville Shale is crucial for meeting the rising demand for LNG exports from the Gulf Coast because of its location. It's expected that Haynesville will contribute about 13 Bcf/d to the overall growth in U.S. gas demand by 2030. However, drilling in Haynesville is more expensive and challenging due to the depth of its wells, especially when compared to areas like the Marcellus Shale.

Ovintiv Inc. is a key player in oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas, working across various areas. It has two main parts: Canadian Operations for its work in Canada and USA Operations for its work in the United States, plus efforts to optimize the market.

In January, US natural gas production dropped to 102 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) from December's record of 106 Bcf/d due to bad weather. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects it to recover soon, hitting 105 Bcf/d by March. The EIA's outlook for 2024 predicts an average production of about 104 Bcf/d, slightly down from the earlier forecast of 105 Bcf/d. By 2025, production is anticipated to climb over 106 Bcf/d.

Shell PLC revealed it made a profit of US$28 billion for 2023, thanks to strong earnings from trading liquefied natural gas (LNG). The company saw its quarterly adjusted earnings rise to $7.3 billion in the fourth quarter, up from $6.2 billion in the third quarter of 2023. This financial success allowed the company to raise its dividend and continue buying back shares.

The Permian Basin, America's prime oil region, faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry saw a drastic reduction in rigs and fracking crews and had to close some operations as oil prices plummeted, leading to widespread restructuring. Now, the Permian is making a strong comeback. Over the last three years, exploration and production companies (E&Ps) have increased their drilling activities. They're focusing on spending wisely and maximizing returns to their investors. The Permian's role is crucial. It was projected to contribute over 5.98 million barrels of oil per day in December, making up about 62% of the total oil production in the Lower 48 states, as per the EIA.

This week, the American Petroleum Institute (API) reported that U.S. crude oil stocks increased by 7.168 million barrels, ending February 16. This rise exceeded analysts' expectations of a 4.298 million barrel increase. Last week, the API noted an 8.52 million barrel jump in crude inventories.

Northern Oil and Gas (NOG) has successfully completed two acquisitions, investing $162.6 million in properties within the Utica Shale and the northern Delaware Basin. In November 2023, NOG ventured into the Utica Shale by acquiring interests from a private seller, including less than one producing well and slightly over one well in development, spanning several counties in Ohio. These areas, primarily operated by Ascent Resources, focus on extracting oil and gas from the Point Pleasant Formation and the Utica Shale, with the Ohio assets being a significant part of this strategy.

The $26 billion purchase of Endeavor Energy Resources by Diamondback Energy, with its stock up 2.6%, is the newest big deal combining oil and gas production in the Permian Basin under a few big companies

Diamondback's buyout of Endeavor happened about four months after ExxonMobil and Chevron made huge deals, with Exxon buying Pioneer Natural Resources for $59 billion and Chevron getting Hess for $53 billion. Even though 2023 was a slow year for company buyouts and mergers, with the total deals at $3.2 trillion (the lowest since 2013 and 47% less than the $6 trillion peak in 2021), the energy sector was still active. Experts think this buzz in energy deals is because these companies made a lot of money in 2022.

Hess Corp. is in the final stages of a major sale to Chevron, with increased drilling and production in the Bakken region noted in the last quarter. Hess announced its fourth-quarter net production in the Bakken reached 194,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), a slight increase from the third quarter's 190,000 boe/d and a significant 23% rise from the 158,000 boe/d seen in the fourth quarter of the previous year. This growth is attributed to more drilling and the impact of the previous year's severe winter weather.

The Permian Basin, a big oil area, is not seeing as many deals as before because lots of companies have already joined together. Now, experts think these companies might start looking for new places to invest in the U.S. One area getting attention is the Bakken play. Chevron Corp. has just made a big step there by buying Hess Corp. for $60 billion. Another company, Grayson Mill Energy, which got some help from a Houston investment firm EnCap Investments LP, might also be up for sale soon, worth about $5 billion.

CrownRock's 94,000+ net acres acquisition complements Occidental's Midland Basin operations, valued at $12.0 billion. This expansion enhances Occidental's Midland Basin-scale and upgrades its Permian Basin portfolio with ready-to-develop, low-cost assets. The deal is set to add around 170 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2024, with high-margin, sustainable production.

Chevron is selling its Canadian shale production operations as part of a wider plan to concentrate its investments on more profitable projects in the United States.

Chesapeake Energy has agreed to purchase its competitor, Southwestern Energy, in a $7.4 billion all-stock deal. The acquisition anticipates a boost in natural gas demand with new U.S. LNG export terminals coming online in 2025.

Houston-based Talos Energy Inc. has made a deal to buy QuarterNorth Energy Inc. for $1.29 billion. QuarterNorth is a company that explores and produces oil in the Gulf of Mexico and owns parts of several big offshore fields. This purchase will add more high-quality deepwater assets to Talos's business, which are expected to bring steady production and new opportunities for growth. The deal should immediately benefit Talos's shareholders and help the company reduce its debt faster.

Sunoco, a gas station company based in Dallas, will buy NuStar Energy, a major operator of liquid storage and pipelines, for $7.3 billion. The acquisition of NuStar Energy by Sunoco not only enlarges Sunoco's fuel distribution business but also moves it into the crude oil middle market, especially in the important Permian Basin area.

Quantum Capital Group sold Rockcliff Energy II LLC, a Quantum Energy Partners' company, to TG Natural Resources LLC for $2.7 billion on December 29. TG Natural Resources is a part of Tokyo Gas, a Japanese company aiming to triple its overseas profits in North America and other regions.

2023 was quite a year for the oil and gas sector, with some big deals making the news. In the US, giants like ExxonMobil and Chevron grabbed headlines with their plans to acquire companies like Pioneer and Hess. Internationally, ADNOC wasn't left behind, expanding its reach as well. As we ring in the new year, let's recap the biggest oil and gas deals of 2023.

-Crescent Point Energy finalized its $1.9 billion purchase of Hammerhead Energy to expand operations in Alberta's Montney Shale -Two Canadian companies merged to increase their presence in Alberta's Kaybob Duvernay area -Ring Energy completed acquisition in the Permian Basin

Vital Energy, an independent energy firm, recently expanded its holdings in the Permian Basin by purchasing additional working interests in prime production assets for approximately $55 million. These newly acquired assets were originally part of a larger transaction involving Henry Energy, Moriah Henry Partners, and Henry Resources.

Well, it’s a Christmas ❄️time again. We all know Rudolf, the hero of Christmas, guiding Santa's sleigh through the night. And then there’s this massive Transcontinental pipeline (Transco), stretching thousands of miles, sending gas all over the place. It's like comparing grandkid's toy car with a real monster truck. So, who's faster in the present-delivery? Rudolf’s magic or Transco's might? That's a tough one, but we'll leave that for you to decide while we kick back with some eggnog.

Once upon a Christmas, Santa Claus, while checking his list, noticed something different. Far away in Texas, there was a place called the Permian Basin, not filled with snow, but with oil fields. These fields were letting out a gas called methane, which wasn't good for the air. Santa, always caring for our planet, decided this year he'd do something about it. So, he set off on a special journey, with his bag of toys and a plan to help the Earth. Let's join Santa on this unique adventure as he tries to make the Permian Basin a bit greener this Christmas.

Unit Corporation (OTCQX: UNTC) has successfully completed the sale of some of its non-core oil and gas assets located in the Texas Panhandle. This sale, involving assets known as the "Divested Assets," resulted in the company receiving $50 million in cash at the time of closing. This amount may be adjusted later according to the terms of the sale agreement.

Pembina Pipeline Corporation PBA, a well-known player in the Canadian midstream sector, recently announced its plan to acquire Enbridge Inc.'s remaining shares in the Alliance Pipeline, Aux Sable pipelines, and NRGreen joint ventures. The deal, valued at C$3.1 billion or US$2.3 billion, marks a key step for Pembina in asserting its leadership in North America's natural gas transportation sector. This strategic acquisition is expected to considerably boost Pembina's growth and profitability in the coming years.

SilverBow Resources Inc. finished buying Chesapeake Energy Corp.'s oil and gas areas in South Texas. They agreed to this $700 million deal back in August. The deal included SilverBow paying $650 million in cash when the deal was closed. They will also pay another $50 million in cash a year later, with some usual changes in the amount. Chesapeake might get an additional $50 million later, depending on the prices of oil and gas in the future. SilverBow paid for this big purchase with the money they had, by borrowing from their credit line, and by selling more of their second lien notes.

Tenaris has successfully finalized the purchase of Mattr's Pipe Coating Division, previously known as Shawcor, for a total of $182.6 million. This figure includes working capital and $16.9 million in cash. Announced back on August 14, 2023, the acquisition has now received the green light from regulatory bodies in both Mexico and Norway.

Baytex Energy Corp., a prominent oil and gas company, has struck a deal to sell part of its Viking assets located in Forgan and Plato, southwest Saskatchewan. The transaction sealed at CAD 153.8 million (approximately US$113.23 million).

This summer, J.P. Morgan Securities highlighted Endeavor Energy Resources as the Midland Basin's standout in mergers and acquisitions, suggesting its value might approach $30 billion. Endeavor Energy Resources, a privately-owned entity in Midland focusing solely on its operations, has seen a significant uptick in production. It now boasts a production rate of 331,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), marking a 25% increase from the previous year.

WhiteHawk Energy has recently completed a significant acquisition in the Marcellus Shale, investing $54 million. This deal has effectively doubled their mineral and royalty ownership in the Marcellus Shale, particularly in Greene and Washington counties in Pennsylvania. This region is noted for its high-quality natural gas reserves. WhiteHawk’s Marcellus assets now encompass approximately 475,000 gross unit acres, featuring production from about 1,315 horizontal shale wells. In addition to this, they own interests in 72 wells-in-progress, 64 permitted wells, and nearly 900 undeveloped Marcellus locations. This acquisition is expected to double WhiteHawk's net revenue interest in each well within its Marcellus holdings​​.

Discover the Gulf of Mexico with our comprehensive data and pipeline map. Explore coastal and island information along with oil and gas data

alos Energy and Repsol have formed a partnership, each owning 50-50, to reexamine seismic data in a shared area to identify where to drill in the coming years. Tim Duncan, the CEO of Talos, sees this as a strategic use of land they acquired from EnVen Energy Corp to enhance its value. Talos Energy is putting to use the land they bought from EnVen Energy Corp for $1.1 billion. CEO Tim Duncan talked about this on November 7, explaining that it's a smart move because the government has delayed a big decision on new ocean drilling areas. By teaming up with Repsol, Talos plans to work on the land they already have, about 100,000 acres, so they don't have to wait for new permits.

Kinder Morgan's strategic acquisition of STX Midstream from NextEra is a significant move to enhance its infrastructure capabilities in South Texas. The area is witnessing an upsurge in natural gas production and demand, particularly towards Mexico and the Gulf Coast markets. The 462-mile pipeline system, which is highly contracted with an average contract length of over eight years, is expected to generate about $181 million in EBITDA for 2023.

Natural gas from the U.S. Permian Basin is set to be the primary source for Mexico's Pacific's Saguaro Energía LNG facility. Located in Puerto Libertad, Sonora, the Saguaro Energía LNG export facility will feature three processing trains. The site is primed for potential expansion with plans for three additional trains of similar capacity. Its strategic Pacific Coast location offers a 55% shorter shipping route to Asia, providing significant savings and reduced carbon emissions​​.

Houston-based Murphy Oil Corp. has successfully concluded the divestiture of its non-core operated assets located across its Western Canadian terrain, including the assets in the Kaybob Duvernay region and the complete non-operated Placid Montney position through a subsidiary. The divestiture was initially made public in August and was concluded. The transaction yielded cash proceeds of around US$104 million (CA$141 million), slightly lower than the originally anticipated US$112 million.

In a recent announcement, energy services firm Baker Hughes stated that U.S. energy companies have decreased the number of operating oil and gas rigs for the third successive week. This development marks the first such consistent reduction since early September. As of October 6, the count for oil and gas rigs, considered a precursor to future production levels, has seen a decline by four, positioning it at 619. This is the lowest figure recorded since February of the preceding year. The overall rig count has decreased by 143 or 19% when compared to last year's statistics.

AltaGas announced plans to acquire Tidewater's Phase 1 and II expansions of the Pipestone Natural Gas Processing Plant, a truck terminal, and related pipelines. Recently AltaGas Ltd. revealed that it had finalized a deal with Tidewater Midstream and Infrastructure Ltd. to purchase an array of midstream assets, storage solutions, and terminals for a sum of CA$650 million (approximately US$480 million).

Energy Transfer's unit prices have surged over 13% this year, bolstered by two significant acquisitions. The company spent nearly $1.5 billion on acquiring Lotus Midstream, a deal that will instantly boost its free and distributable cash flow. A recently inked $7.1 billion deal to acquire Crestwood Equity Partners is also set to immediately enhance the company's distributable cash flow per unit. Energy Transfer aims to unlock commercial opportunities and refinance Crestwood's debt, amplifying the deal's value proposition. These strategic acquisitions provide the company additional avenues for expanding its distribution, which already offers a strong yield of 9.2%. Energized by both organic growth and its midstream consolidation efforts, Energy Transfer aims to uplift its payout by 3% to 5% annually.

According to Globaldata, 196,130km of planned and announced trunk oil and gas pipelines are anticipated to become operational globally between 2023 and 2030. This consists of 113,099km of planned pipelines that have identified development plans, and 83,031km of early-stage announced pipelines currently under conceptual study, expected to receive development approval. Based on Global Energy Monitor's 2023 data, Africa and the Middle East account for 49% of the global oil transmission pipeline construction, valued at US$25.3 billion. The report indicates these regions are currently constructing 4,400 km of pipelines with an investment of US$14.4 billion. There are plans for an additional 10,800 km at an approximate cost of US$59.8 billion.

Calgary-based pipeline operator TC Energy is selling a 40% stake in its natural gas pipeline systems for $3.9 billion as part of its efforts to reduce debt. TC Energy Corporation (TRP) has agreed to sell a 40% stake in its Columbia Gas Transmission and Columbia Gulf Transmission systems to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). This move will help TC Energy reduce its debt and establish a valuable long-term partnership with GIP, a prominent infrastructure investor.

One of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries is set to raise its ownership in the Cove Point liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal located in Maryland. This comes after the company signed a substantial $3.3 billion agreement with Dominion Energy. Under the agreement, Dominion Energy has agreed to sell its 50 percent noncontrolling limited partner interest in Cove Point LNG to Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Berkshire Hathaway Energy is the current operator of the facility and already holds a 100 percent general partner interest and a 25 percent limited partner interest.

The midstream sector plays a vital role in the oil and gas supply chain, serving as a crucial link. As the energy transition continues, this industry, like the broader sector, encounters various risks. Yet, existing analyses have predominantly concentrated on the risks faced by the upstream and downstream sectors, leaving the fate of the midstream relatively unexplored. In a nutshell, midstream operators differentiate themselves by offering services instead of products, resulting in potentially distinct revenue models compared to extraction and refining businesses. However, they are not immune to the long-term risks associated with the energy transition away from oil and gas. Over time, companies involved in transporting and storing hydrocarbons face the possibility of encountering a combination of reduced volumes, heightened costs, and declining prices.

In the ever-evolving energy landscape, staying informed about the global natural gas market is crucial for energy professionals. As CXO-level energy company officials, petroleum engineers, and business development professionals, it is vital to have a thorough understanding of the structure, economics, and historical context of global natural gas supply and demand. This article aims to provide an in-depth overview of the global natural gas market in the first quarter of 2023, exploring its supply and demand dynamics, historical development, and industry trends. This comprehensive analysis incorporates factual data on oil and gas production, costs, prices, volumes, and job market figures, providing professionals with valuable insights for strategic decision-making.

Skye MS LLC purchased a package deal from Black Bear, which included over 120 miles of natural gas pipelines and eight active metered locations. Black Bear Transmission LLC, based in Houston, successfully finalized the sale of gas gathering assets owned by BBT Mississippi LLC (BBT MS) to Skye MS LLC of Columbia, Mississippi. The specific amount of the transaction remains undisclosed. BBT MS is the proud owner and operator of a fee-based, natural gas transmission system that efficiently supplies gas to utility, industrial, and power generation customers. It facilitates the connection of wellhead production in Mississippi to regional long-haul pipelines.

In May, ONEOK (OKE) made an announcement regarding its acquisition of Magellan Midstream Partners LP (MMP) for a total value of $18.8 billion, which includes cash and stocks. This move drew attention as it positions ONEOK, primarily known for its involvement in the provision, gathering, and processing of Natural Gas (NG), to become one of the largest pipeline companies in the United States. The acquisition also allows ONEOK to expand its services by including Oil (CL), another significant energy commodity.

Global oil supply and demand saw notable changes in April 2023. Liquids demand declined by 0.7 MMb/d to 99.9 MMb/d, with gains in China and Europe offset by reduced demand in Japan and the Middle East. OPEC 10 production remained stable at 29.5 MMb/d, while Saudi Arabia increased output by 0.3 MMb/d. Non-OPEC production declined slightly, Russian production dropped further, and US shale production remained steady. Combined production in Iran, Venezuela, and Libya remained unchanged. Commercial inventories increased, and OPEC+ implemented production cuts. Economic sentiment remains uncertain amid rising global inflation.

Callon is set to purchase Percussion Petroleum's Delaware assets for $475 million while selling its Eagle Ford assets to Ridgemar for $655 million. In a strategic step to optimize its operations, Callon Petroleum recently made headlines by sealing two deals on May 3, totaling a staggering $1.13 billion. The company is taking confident steps to bolster its presence in the Delaware Basin while bidding farewell to its stake in the Eagle Ford Shale.

Permian Resources bolsters dominance in the Delaware Basin with strategic land acquisitions, expanding its portfolio by over 5,000 net leasehold acres and 3,000 royalty acres. In a stunning display of growth and strategic maneuvering, Permian Resources Corp., based in Midland, Texas, has made waves in the first quarter by securing a series of deals worth over $200 million in the highly sought-after Delaware Basin. This move solidifies their position as a player in the region.

The Williston Basin, which spans parts of North Dakota, Montana, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, is a major oil-producing region in North America. In order to transport crude oil and natural gas from the wells to refineries and other destinations, a vast pipeline infrastructure has been built in the area. The pipeline infrastructure in the Williston Basin consists of a network of pipelines that connect production sites to processing facilities, storage tanks, and major pipeline hubs

Matador Resources Co. is making a big move in the oil and gas industry by acquiring Advance Energy Partners Holdings LLC, a major player in the northern Delaware Basin. The acquisition, which comes with a hefty price tag of at least $1.6 billion in cash, includes valuable assets in Lea County, N.M., and Ward County, Texas, as well as key midstream infrastructure.

Geologically, the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin is a large structural basin with a complex history of sedimentary deposition, tectonic activity, and hydrocarbon generation. The basin covers approximately 20,000 square miles and extends into parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Kansas. It is primarily composed of several stacked formations, including the Niobrara, Codell, and Greenhorn formations, which contain significant amounts of oil and gas reserves.

Following the success of FireBird Energy's $1.75 billion sale to Diamondback last year, the emergence of FireBird II signals a new chapter in the Permian Basin. Get ready for some exciting news from the energy industry. FireBird Energy II, the new player in the Permian Basin, has just secured $500 million in equity funding to fuel their acquisitions. With backing from the esteemed private equity firm Quantum Energy Partners, FireBird Energy II is poised to make waves in the industry.

Ovintiv Strikes Billion-Dollar Oil Deal, Doubling Production in Permian Basin with EnCap's Black Swan, PetroLegacy, and Piedra Resources. The deal, which was approved unanimously by Ovintiv's board, is slated to close on June 30. With over $5 billion in transactions announced on April 3, Ovintiv is set to expand its oil production by snatching up 65,000 net acres in the core of the Midland Basin. The deal with EnCap will give them a strategic edge in Martin and Andrews counties, Texas, with approximately 1,050 net, 10,000-ft well locations added to their inventory.

The Appalachian oil and gas basin is a geological formation that spans several states in the eastern United States, including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and New York. It is one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, with estimates of recoverable natural gas exceeding 141 trillion cubic feet. The Marcellus Shale formation was formed over 350 million years ago and is composed of sedimentary rocks. Initially, the Marcellus Shale was not considered a significant source of natural gas due to the low permeability of the rock, which made it difficult for gas to flow through it and be extracted. However, with the development of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling technologies in the early 2000s, it became economically viable to extract natural gas from the Marcellus Shale, and it has since become a major source of natural gas production in the United States.

In a big move for Riley Permian, the company has just closed a deal to acquire top-of-the-line oil and gas assets in the heart of New Mexico. The acquisition, which was made in February, saw Riley Permian snapping up these highly sought-after resources from none other than Pecos Oil & Gas LLC for $330 million.

Energy Transfer's recent acquisition of Lotus Midstream's infrastructure for $1.45 billion is a remarkable feat that is bound to shake up the energy industry. This strategic move grants Energy Transfer access to the highly prized Centurion Pipeline, as well as an additional 3,000 miles of crude gathering and transportation pipelines. These pipelines span across the vast Permian Basin of West Texas, stretching all the way from New Mexico and culminating at the bustling energy hub of Cushing, Oklahoma.

Baytex Energy Group has announced that it will acquire Eagle Ford exploration and production company, Ranger Oil, for approximately $2.5 billion in cash and stock, which includes taking over the company's existing debt. Upon the successful closure of the acquisition, Baytex will have a controlling stake of approximately 63% in the newly merged company, leaving Ranger shareholders with around 37%. This significant move is in line with a trend of substantial mergers and acquisitions in the Eagle Ford area, with Marathon Oil, Devon Energy, and Chesapeake Energy among the companies involved in recent transactions.

Harvest Midstream, a Hilcorp affiliate, is set to acquire three midstream gathering systems that serve the Bakken, as well as system located in the Eagle Ford. Harvest, an affiliate of Hilcorp Energy Corp, has entered into an agreement to purchase three Bakken midstream gathering systems and one in the Eagle Ford from Paradigm. Paradigm is set to sell these midstream assets to Harvest in the near future.

Baytex Energy, a Canadian oil and gas company, has announced its acquisition of Ranger Oil, an Eagle Ford operator based in Texas, in a deal worth $150 million. The acquisition will accelerate Baytex's shareholder returns and introduce a dividend with enhanced free cash flow.

Enbridge acquired Tres Palacios natural gas storage facility in Texas for $335 million, adding approximately 35 Bcf of natural gas storage to their portfolio. The facility uses salt caverns for storage and has a gas header pipeline system that spans 62 miles and links to 11 major gas pipelines. Crestwood Equity Partners LP intends to divest its interests in Tres Palacios by the second quarter.

The U.S. natural gas pipeline network is a complex system of pipelines that transport natural gas from production areas to consumers across the country. The pipeline network consists of three main types of pipelines: gathering pipelines, transmission pipelines, and distribution pipelines. Gathering pipelines are small-diameter pipelines that transport natural gas from production wells to processing facilities or larger transmission pipelines. Transmission pipelines are large-diameter pipelines that transport natural gas over long distances, sometimes across multiple states. Distribution pipelines operate at low pressure and are located in or near urban areas. They are often referred to as "utility pipelines" because they are typically owned and operated by local gas utility companies.

Diamondback Energy, an independent oil and gas company, has successfully completed the acquisition of Lario Permian, marking the closure of two major deals in the fourth quarter of 2022. The company purchased two private operators in the Midland Basin for approximately $3.3 billion.

Chesapeake Energy Corp. has announced that it will receive $1.4 billion from INEOS Energy for the sale of its remaining Eagle Ford asset, just a month after selling its Brazos Valley assets for a similar amount. This brings the total value of Chesapeake's Eagle Ford assets to over $2.82 billion. The Oklahoma City-based company will continue to market its other Eagle Ford assets.

Oklahoma City-based Riley Exploration Permian Inc. is extending its presence in New Mexico through the acquisition of oil and gas assets from Pecos Oil & Gas LLC, valued at $330 million in cash, according to the company's announcement on February 28.

Vital Energy Inc. has made a significant acquisition, purchasing 11,200 net acres in Upton and Reagan counties, Texas. The deal, which involved a combination of cash and stock, was worth almost $214 million. This move comes shortly after the company's rebranding from Laredo Petroleum just one month ago.

To effectively manage ESG issues in O&G companies, a comprehensive approach is required, addressing multiple managerial issues. First, ESG considerations must be integrated into the corporate strategy, setting goals that align with business objectives, reflected in budgeting, capital allocation, and risk management. Accurate and efficient collection, management, and reporting of ESG data is necessary for identifying relevant metrics and indicators, such as greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and social impact indicators.

ESG considerations are becoming increasingly essential for companies operating in the upstream sector. Failure to address ESG concerns may result in financial and reputational risks, given the growing focus from investors, regulators, and other stakeholders. Companies must prioritize ESG performance and engage with stakeholders to address concerns and mitigate risks. By doing so, they can improve their reputation, attract investment, and contribute to a more sustainable future

On January 24 Independent E&P Arena Energy LLC acquired Cox Operating LLC's interests in the Eugene Island 330 and South Marsh 128 oil blocks. Cox Operating, based in Dallas, Texas, includes interests to Arena's existing ownership interest in the Gulf of Mexico fields, which it purchased from GOM Shelf LLC.

“Our view is in 2023 M&A picks up. There was some this 2022 year, but again, it was such a funky, weird macro world. We expect fewer surprises in 2023.” — Dan Pickering, Pickering Energy Partners. Modern companies in the world operate in a rapidly changing external environment, so the process of reorganization is one of the basic tools for solving the problem of adapting companies to new conditions. Recently, the number of Acquisitions and Divestitures in the oil and gas industry has been growing rapidly, i.e. it can be said that the market for these deals is dynamically developing.

Canadian pipeline operator Pembina Pipeline Corp.'s joint venture with KKR & Co. is selling for C$662.5 million ($484.89 million) its 50% stake in the Key Access Pipeline System to private equity firm Stonepeak Partners. The agreement allows Stonepeak to maintain a pipeline system that conveys NGL to processing facilities for export to Asia, a market with a raising appetite for North American LNG as it refuses to use coal and as the decrease in Russian exports leaves a void in global supply.

More than 60% of all A&D deals by value are in US oil and gas companies. Despite their leading market position, U.S. fields are developing unevenly, and investors are quite cautious about investing in them at this stage. The top 5 oil & gas industry A&D deals in 2022 were concluded by Omega Acquisition, Tokyo Gas, Diamondback Energy, Suncor Energy, and IMM Private Equity. The main motives of oil and gas companies to carry out A&D transactions can be considered the achievement of the synergy effect, and the presence of fundamental shocks in the market.

Most companies have plans in place to identify and manage the normal operational risks of enterprise asset management (EAM). But, it is equally important to consider the potential emergence of ESG risks that a company may face. While predicting events such as hurricanes, pandemics, and regulatory violations is difficult, preparing for or mitigating the impact can avoid potentially devastating effects on an asset-rich organization, as well as its employees and shareholders. As a reminder, ESG investing looks at three elements: environmental (E), social (S), and governance (G) issues, with stakeholders looking not only at the financial parameters of a transaction but also the non-financial parameters. For example, oil and gas companies should develop plans to restore power lines or pipelines after an earthquake or other natural disaster. These plans should describe procedures for how employees will access remote sites, which assets will be prioritized, what additional equipment will be needed, and how it will be obtained.

BP acquired renewable natural gas (RNG) provider Archaea Energy Inc. for $4.1 billion on December 28, marking a milestone in the growth of BP’s strategic bioenergy business. The acquisition, announced in October, was finalized following BP’s completion of regulatory requirements and Archaea obtaining shareholder approval.

The oil and gas industry has long relied on the recommendations of trusted experts to make key supply chain decisions. The growing popularity of Blockchain technology could significantly disrupt these relationships by providing an unbiased methodology for sourcing, tracking, and executing transactions on behalf of customers with transparent data sets across supply chain endpoints. Blockchain technology has already been used by many global companies in the last two years in various areas such as IoT (Internet of Things), smart contracts, and cryptocurrencies. It has enabled businesses to benefit from the inherent trust and transparency of the technology.

3D Modeling helps to optimize oil and gas exploration and production, and evaluate the potential of energy sources. Companies CGG, ESA, Schneider Digital, and Continental Resources have been pioneering in 3D visualization for the O&G industry in 2022.

On January 6, Phillips 66 announced that it plans to acquire more than 43% of DCP Midstream LP for $3.8 billion, expanding the business in the oil & gas business.

On January 5 Northern Oil & Gas (NOG) concluded a deal to acquire working interests in Midland-Petro D.C. Partners LLC (MPDC)'s Mascot Project in the Midland Basin, according to a January 9 press release. Firstly estimated at $330 million in cash, the deal was signed with an additional 3.25% working interest added to the 36.7% agreed upon when the transaction was announced on October 19. NOG paid $29 million more for the additional interests, which now totalled 39.958%. Finally, the deal closed for $320 million in cash and $43 million in debt at signing in October with the finance of Minnetonka, Minn.-based NOG with cash on hand, operating free cash flow, and assistance from its revolving credit facility.

Talos Energy Inc. is closing its $1.1 billion purchase of private operator EnVen Energy. A special meeting for Talos’ stockholders to vote on the deal and other matters is set on February 8, according to a prospectus filed on January 11 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Shareholders are being asked to approve the EnVen merger, which as the company considered in September would raise its Gulf of Mexico production up to 40%. According to a January 11 press release, Talos asserted that it anticipates closing the transaction soon after the meeting. Talos Energy Inc. supposes that adding EnVen would double its operated deepwater facility footprint, extending key infrastructure in existing Talos operating areas. More than 80% of the combined assets will be deepwater, with the company operating more than 75% of the acreage it holds interests in. Talos is one of the largest independent operators in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, with production operations, prospects, leases, and seismic databases spanning the basin in both Deep Water and Shallow Water. The company aims to actively grow through a balanced focus on asset optimization, development, and exploration while also seeking to add to its portfolio through acquisitions and business development.