Blog
Since days when shale oil and gas technologies were discovered, the U.S. energy industry has been evolving more rapidly than ever before. Many changes are amazing especially when you put them on an industry map. At Rextag not only do we keep you aware of major projects such as pipelines or LNG terminals placed in service. Even less significant news are still important to us, be it new wells drilled or processing plants put to regular maintenance.
Daily improvements often come unnoticed but you can still follow these together with us. Our main input is to “clip it” to the related map: map of crude oil refineries or that of natural gas compressor stations. Where do you get and follow your important industry news? Maybe you are subscribed to your favorite social media feeds or industry journals. Whatever your choice is, you are looking for the story. What happened? Who made it happen? WHY does this matter? (Remember, it is all about ‘What’s in It For Me’ (WIIFM) principle).
How Rextag blog helps? Here we are concerned with looking at things both CLOSELY and FROM A DISTANCE.
"Looking closely" means reflecting where exactly the object is located.
"From a distance" means helping you see a broader picture.
New power plant added in North-East? See exactly what kind of transmission lines approach it and where do they go. Are there other power plants around? GIS data do not come as a mere dot on a map. We collect so many additional data attributes: operator and owner records, physical parameters and production data. Sometimes you will be lucky to grab some specific area maps we share on our blog. Often, there is data behind it as well. Who are top midstream operators in Permian this year? What mileage falls to the share or Kinder Morgan in the San-Juan basin? Do you know? Do you want to know?
All right, then let us see WHERE things happen. Read this blog, capture the energy infrastructure mapped and stay aware with Rextag data!
Permian Basin Gas Production Pushes Limits – Infrastructure Expansion Needed
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.
Can Oil-Rich Texas Be a Clean Energy Titan: Sugary Sweet Attempt at Leading the Renewable Revolution
Texas is taking bold steps toward a future powered by clean energy. Once known mainly for its oil and gas, the state is now a leader in wind, solar, and battery storage. But as electricity demand grows, so do the challenges of balancing energy needs with infrastructure limits. Here’s a look at how Texas is transforming and what hurdles lie ahead + find out who works with Facebook’s parent company Meta on new technology across the U.S.
Exxon Mobil and the $60 Billion Deal That Changes Everything in Permian
Exxon Mobil recently completed its acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources, a deal worth about $60 billion. This transaction, which is the biggest in shale oil history, significantly changes the competitive landscape in the Permian Basin, a major oil field. This marks Exxon Mobil's largest deal since its $84.4 billion merger with Mobil Corp. in 1999. With this acquisition, Exxon Mobil's production in the Permian Basin will double to 1.3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.
Cold Weather Disruptions Lead to Lower US Natural Gas Production in January 2024
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.
TOP 2022 vs 2023 Permian Producers Overview by Rextag
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.
Occidental to Streamline Operations with $20 Billion Western Midstream Sale?
Occidental Petroleum is looking into selling Western Midstream Partners. OXY focuses on natural gas pipelines in the U.S. and is worth around $20 billion, including its debt. This sale could help the company cut down its large debt of $18.5 billion, which grew due to buying other companies. Recently, Occidental agreed to buy CrownRock for $12 billion, adding more debt to its books. This comes after its huge $54 billion purchase of Anadarko Petroleum four years ago. The news about possibly selling Western Midstream made its shares go up by 5.7% to $30.81, reaching their highest value since July 2019. However, Occidental's shares fell by 1.6% to $59.56, as part of a wider drop among energy companies.
Permian Basin Giants: 2024 Net Production Forecasts
Rystad Energy predicts that the merged company of Diamondback Energy and Endeavor Energy will produce 819,500 barrels of oil per day in the Permian Basin in 2024. Rystad, an energy research and business intelligence company from Norway, expects the ExxonMobil-Pioneer Natural Resources merger to lead the Permian in total net production for the year, with a projection of nearly 1.4 million barrels per day. Notably, about 53% of this production will be oil. Chevron is set to produce slightly more than Diamondback-Endeavor, with Occidental-CrownRock following closely. ConocoPhillips ranks fifth, with a production forecast of just under 800,000 barrels per day. Chevron's production is 47% oil, while Diamondback-Endeavor and ConocoPhillips have 57% oil in their mix, and Occidental-CrownRock is just below 50%.
From Peanuts to Richest Oil Tycoon in America: Autry Stephens Built an Empire, his net worth is...
Diamondback Energy is buying Autry Stephens's company, Endeavor Energy Resources, for $26 billion. This deal (learn more) will make Stephens the richest oil driller in the U.S., with a $25.9 billion fortune, jumping him up to 64th place on a list of the world's richest people. He'll be wealthier than other big names in oil, like Harold Hamm with $15.4 billion and Jeff Hildebrand with $17 billion. However, Charles and Julia Koch are still richer, but their money comes from different businesses, not just oil.
Oil and Gas: Diamondback and Endeavor's $26 Billion Merger Redefines Permian Basin
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.
Select Water Solutions Acquires Haynesville and Rockies Assets
Select Water Solutions, a leader in water and chemical services for the energy industry has bought key water assets in the Haynesville Shale and Rockies for $90 million. This deal adds 450,000 barrels per day of capacity with disposal wells and treatment facilities, boosting Select's operations.
Occidental, CrownRock Merger Under Regulatory Review: 2024 Update
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.
Talos Energy Confirms $1.29 Billion Takeover of QuarterNorth Energy
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.
Dallas-Based Sunoco Buys NuStar Energy for $7.3 Billion
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.
Welcome 2024: A Look Back at 2023 Top Oil and Gas Sector Deals
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.
Christmas tree and Santa Against Permian Methane Emissions
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.
Sale of Texas Panhandle Assets by Unit Corporation Now Complete
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.
SilverBow Successfully Completes $700MM Purchase of Chesapeake’s South Texas Holdings
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.
Anticipated Growth: Endeavor Energy's Value Nearing $30 Billion
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.
Talos Energy and Repsol Join Forces in Gulf Exploration JV
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 Invests $1.8 Billion in South Texas Gas Infrastructure
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.
Baker Hughes Confirms a Third Weekly Decline in US Oil and Gas Rigs
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.
Decarbonization with Profit: Strategy Revealed by Shell's New Energies US CEO
Energy firms like Shell are facing the challenge of delivering cost-effective energy, reducing emissions, and enhancing shareholder value. Shell pursues its 2050 net-zero emission target, Wright highlighted the company's efforts to deliver greener energy solutions in line with increasing demand. This includes reconfiguring its energy and chemical facilities and earmarking between $10 billion to $15 billion for investment in low-carbon sectors by 2025.
Diamondback's Viper Energy Acquires $1 Billion in Royalty Interests in the Permian Basin
Viper Energy's deal, comprised of cash and equity, secures an additional 2,800 net royalty acres in the Midland Basin and 1,800 in the Delaware Basin. Viper Energy Partners LP, a Diamondback Energy Inc. subsidiary, has inked a deal to acquire mineral and royalty interests in the Permian Basin. The deal, valued at around $1 billion, is with Warwick Capital Partners and GRP Energy Capital. Viper was established by Diamondback with the purpose of owning, purchasing, and capitalizing on oil and natural gas assets in North America, specifically targeting mineral and royalty interests.
Tivoli Services Acquires Barnett NTX Pipeline from Phillips 66
Tivoli Services finalized the purchase of the NTX pipeline system from Phillips 66, backed by a long-term transportation services agreement. Tivoli Services LLC, a branch of Tivoli Midstream LLC, completed the purchase of the NTX oil pipeline system in the Barnett Shale from Phillips 66 affiliates, according to press release by Tivoli Midstream. The financial terms remain undisclosed.
Under Construction Pipelines: Outlook 2023 by Rextag
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.
Earthstone Offers Eagle Ford Assets for Sale, Considers Departure from South Texas
Earthstone Energy is selling Eagle Ford locations to concentrate on the Permian Basin, streamlining its exploration and production focus. Earthstone Energy Inc., based in The Woodlands, Texas, is putting an Eagle Ford asset on the market as the company focuses on divesting non-core properties and directing investment towards the Permian Basin. The assets that Earthstone is planning to sell include production and land in northeast Karnes County, Texas, as well as in southern Gonzales County, Texas, as outlined in the marketing documents. For the sales process, Earthstone has engaged Opportune Partners LLC to serve as its exclusive financial adviser.
WhiteHawk Energy Secures $100M Finance Facility for Core Natural Gas Asset Acquisition
WhiteHawk Energy LLC completed its second Haynesville Shale mineral and royalty acquisition of the year, spanning northwestern Louisiana and eastern Texas. WhiteHawk also secured a $100 million acquisition finance facility from an undisclosed "top tier institution." The company will utilize $20 million from this facility to fund the Haynesville purchase from Mesa Minerals Partners II LLC
SM Energy Acquires 20,000 Acres in Texas for $90.6M
SM Energy acquired 20,000 net acres in Dawson and north Martin counties in Texas, completing the transaction in cash. SM Energy Co., based in Denver, intends to expand on its success from the second quarter by increasing its drilling and completion activities in the coming quarter. This plan also includes preparations to develop the newly acquired land in the Midland basin. In June, the company's president and CEO, Herb Vogel, along with his team, raised their target for total oil and gas production for the second quarter to 13.9 MMboe, up from 13.4 MMboe. They exceeded this target, reaching nearly 14.1 MMboe, with oil making up 42% of that figure. During the quarter, SM Energy drilled 17 wells, with 12 located in South Texas and five in the Midland basin. They also completed 25 wells, 17 of which were in the Midland basin.
Kimbell Set to Purchase Permian and Mid-Continent Assets for $455 Million
Kimbell Royalty Partners' acquisition adds land in Delaware & Midland basins, enhancing its lead in production, active rigs, DUCs, permits & undrilled inventory. Kimbell Royalty Partners LP has recently announced a landmark deal, the largest in its history, to expand its foothold in the oil and gas industry. The company has agreed to purchase Permian Basin and Midcontinent assets for a staggering $455 million in cash from a private seller.
Diamondback Sells More After Hitting $1B Target
Diamondback Energy sold more midstream assets in Q2 as part of a $1B plan to shed non-core assets, reducing debt in the Permian Basin. In July, Texas-based Diamondback Energy Inc. sold a 43% stake in the OMOG crude oil system, revealing this in its Q2 earnings on July 31. OMOG JV LLC, running 400 miles of pipelines and 350,000 bbl of storage in Midland, Martin, Andrews, and Ector counties, was detailed in Diamondback's filings. The sale provided $225 million in gross proceeds. Diamondback has announced or completed $1.1 billion in non-core asset sales since initiating the program. Initially aimed at raising $500 million, the 2023 target was increased to $1 billion.
ExxonMobil Acquires Denbury and Enhances carbon, capture, and storage efforts
ExxonMobil's joined assets speed up their Low Carbon Solutions business, offering better decarbonization options for customers. ExxonMobil's top CCS network supports their commitment to low carbon value chains, like hydrogen and biofuels. The transaction synergies will cut over 100 MTA of emissions, leading to strong growth and returns. Exxon Mobil Corporation revealed that it will acquire Denbury Inc., a company specializing in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCS) solutions and enhanced oil recovery. $4.9 billion deal will be completed through an all-stock transaction. Darren Woods, Chairman and CEO said “Acquiring Denbury reflects our determination to profitably grow our Low Carbon Solutions business by serving a range of hard-to-decarbonize industries with a comprehensive carbon capture and sequestration offering”.
Vital Energy Raises Production Outlook and Capital Spending with Significant Permian Basin Acquisition
Vital Energy’s deal adds 24,000 net acres and 100 gross drilling locations in Texas, growing its Permian Basin footprint to around 198,000 net acres. Vital Energy is revising its projections for oil and gas production and capital spending upward following the successful acquisition of a substantial area in the Permian Basin. The company has gained around 24,000 net acres and 100 gross drilling locations in Texas. As a result of this deal, Vital Energy is now increasing its full-year production and capital spending guidance.
Civitas Makes $4.7B Entry into Permian Basin
Civitas Resources Expands into Denver-Julesburg Basin through $4.7B Cash and Stock Deals for NGP's Tap Rock and Hibernia. Civitas Resources has recently secured two definitive agreements to expand its presence in the Permian Basin's Midland and Delaware basins. The company will achieve this expansion through the acquisition of two private exploration and production companies, namely Hibernia Energy III LLC and Tap Rock Resources LLC. The total value of the deal, paid in both cash and stock, amounts to $4.7 billion. Both Hibernia Energy III LLC and Tap Rock Resources LLC are supported by NGP Energy Capital Management LLC. These acquisitions reflect the increasing demand for oil and gas reserves in the Permian Basin, with companies specializing in the region actively seeking new opportunities. Currently, Civitas Resources' primary production operations are focused in the Denver-Julesburg Basin (D-J Basin).
US Midstream Research 2022 Overview: TOP Providers, Their Assets and Stories
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.
Chevron Announces Intent to Divest Oil and Gas Properties in New Mexico and Texas
According to Reuters, Chevron has recently made additional assets available for acquisition in both New Mexico and Texas. As part of its strategy to streamline operations following significant shale acquisitions, Chevron is reportedly offering multiple oil and gas properties for sale in New Mexico and Texas. Marketing documents reviewed by Reuters reveal the company's intention to divest these assets. Despite its prominent position as the largest publicly-traded oil and gas producer and property owner with 2.2 million acres in the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico, Chevron has been actively divesting properties in the region. This divestment aligns with Chevron's efforts to optimize its portfolio and focus on its core operations.
Black Bear Roars with Success: Mississippi Gas Gathering Assets Sold
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.
Permian Resources Secures a Major Deal in the Thriving Delaware Basin
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.
Breaking Barriers FireBird II, Empowered by Quantum Technology, Surpasses $500MM Funding Milestone for Permian Ventures
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.
Multi-Billion Dollar Deal: Ovintiv to Expand Midland Basin Portfolio with EnCap Acquisition and Exit Bakken
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.
Riley Permian Secures $330 Million Acquisition in Thriving New Mexico: A Strategic Move with Promising Returns
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.
Fueling Up for Success: Harvest Midstream, Hilcorp's Affiliate, to Acquire Bakken and Eagle Ford Assets from Paradigm
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.
Enbridge agreed to acquire the Tres Palacios gas storage facility in Texas for $335 million
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.
U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines Infrastructure Overview by Rextag
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.
Momentum Midstream Becomes a Leader in Haynesville Due to Latest Acquisitions
Houston-based company Momentum Midstream LLC on September 22 purchased Midcoast Energy LLC’s East Texas business from an affiliate of Arc Light Capital Partners LLC and Align Midstream LLC from Tailwater Capital and claimed that it establishes a leading presence in the Haynesville Shale. New Generation Gas Gathering or NG3 project will collect natural gas produced in the Haynesville Shale for re-delivery to premium Gulf Coast markets, including LNG export. Moreover, the NG3 project includes a carbon capture and sequestration component that will eliminate 100% of the CO₂ and accumulate it underground for a long time, creating a net negative carbon footprint. With the combined assets of Midcoast ETX and Align Midstream, Momentum is currently delivering volumes of more than 2 Bcf/d for a diverse customer base composed of producers, utilities, end-users, and LNG exporters. Momentum’s footprint in the Haynesville includes about 3,000 miles of gathering pipelines, 1.5 Bcf/d of treating capacity, 700 MMcf/d of processing capacity, 200,000 HP of compression, and 820 miles of pipelines transporting gas to the Gulf Coast markets in southeast Texas and the Carthage and Bethel markets in East Texas.
$7 Billion Merger of Colgate and Centennial, the 2 Largest Permian Operators
Despite the circulating rumors concerning Colgate’s attempt to launch an IPO, on May 19 the company decided to combine with Centennial Resource Development Inc. This merger of equals is estimated at $7 billion and will found the biggest pure-play E&P company in the Delaware Basin of the Permian. The transformative combination essentially enlarges companies’ potential and hastens the growth across all financial and operating metrics. According to Centennial CEO Sean Smith, the combined company is anticipated to furnish shareholders with quickened capital return program due to a fixed dividend coupled with a share repurchase plan. Due to a recent report, the merger would increase production 7%, to 145,000 boe/d by the fourth quarter would further ratchet up next year. By third-quarter 2023, the company predicted 160,000 boe/d based on a drilling program of 140 wells per year. Colgate Energy was reported to be getting an IPO last December that sources said would value the company at approximately $4 billion. The combined company will have over 15-years of drilling inventory, assuming its current drilling pace, the companies will produce over $1 billion of free cash flow in 2023 at current strip prices.
Merger of Equals: Whiting and Oasis $6B Deal
The two Bakken shale producers announced in a joint statement on March 7 that they had reached an agreement to unite in a $6 billion "merger of equals." Combining these two companies will create a leading Williston Basin position with assets covering approximately 972,000 net acres, production of 167,800 boe/d, and an enhanced free cash flow generation that will generate capital returns to shareholders. A historic collapse in oil prices prompted both Whiting and Oasis oil companies to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2020. Thus, the merger can be viewed as a preventive measure to avoid going out of business.
Pine Wave Energy and Silver Hill Reached an Agreement Over Haynesville Assets — Deal is Sealed
Looks like Pine pulled the plug on its properties in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, and Harrison and Panola counties, Texas. Which includes a total of 12,500 acres and ownership interests in 10 operated wells with a production capacity of 100 million cubic feet per day along with 18 miles of naturalgas gathering pipelines. Did Pine just give up on Haynesville?
Colgate Energy's owners are planning to go public
Colgate Energy is planning to float its shale oil producer in the Permian's Delaware Basin on the stock market. If successful, this IPO would be the first major U.S. oil producer offering since Jagged Peak Energy's IPO in January 2017. Looks like investors’ confidence in the sector is returning as U.S. crude prices hit their highest in seven years late last year S&P energy index delivered roughly twice the return of the S&P 500 in 2021.
No More Gas Flaring: the Permian's Double E Pipeline is brought into service in West Texas
Permian Basins gas infrastructure boom: Summit Midstream puts into service a new pipeline system, aimed at reducing gas flaring in the area. Besides ecological concerns, the project will also transport almost 1,5 billion cubic feet of gas per day — enough to supply 5 million U.S. homes every day. According to Federal Energy Statistics, the project cost a whopping $450 million.
Expansion Is The Goal: Ironwood II Completes Asset Merger And Assumes Management of Nuevo Midstream Dos’ Eagle Ford Assets
Ironwood Midstream expanded its operations in the Eagle Ford region through its merger with Nuevo Midstream. Thanks to this, Ironwood II has increased its crude oil and natural gas throughput capacities in the famous shale to approximately 400,000 bbl/d and 410 MMcf/d, respectively. With 390 miles of pipelines, the company manages 245,000 acres of dedicated land.
13 years is not long enough: Glencore and Cheniere Sign Long-Term LNG Deal
Texas Cheniere and Swiss Glencore had entered into a free-on-board agreement for approximately 0.8 million tonnes of LNG per annum, starting in April 2023 for 13 consecutive years. This SPA demonstrates the commercial momentum Cheniere has been enjoying and marks an important milestone, as the company lays the groundwork for a final investment decision on Corpus Christi Stage 3, which is expected to occur next year.