Author: Graham Foster

Bryan Sheffield has built his wealth through oil drilling, a legacy passed down from his father and grandfather. However, as activity in the Permian basin cools down, he is focusing on taking the success of fracking to other countries. Sheffield is the leading shareholder in Tamboran Resources, a company with drilling rights over nearly 2 million acres in northern Australia’s Beetaloo basin. Tamboran plans to kick off gas sales from a pilot shale project in the coming year. Additionally, his private equity firm, Formentera Partners, is eyeing shale opportunities in Venezuela, especially after the ousting of Nicolás Maduro. “The Permian…

The surge in demand for energy driven by artificial intelligence (AI) is ushering in a new era of nuclear power, particularly with small modular reactors (SMRs). Tech companies are in need of dependable and eco-friendly energy sources for their expansive data center projects, and they are increasingly turning to nuclear options. As the U.S. electrical grid grapples with rising demand, many businesses are pursuing contracts with SMR suppliers. While these ventures may not fully meet the clean energy targets set for 2030, they represent a significant step towards greener energy solutions in the long run. Recently, Meta announced partnerships with…

In August 2029, imagine being a utility executive during a severe heat wave affecting a large portion of the country. Your team regularly relies on a partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to help manage demand, hastily asking them to reduce their energy consumption. Within moments, they agree, and the crisis is averted. Hospitals remain powered, and everything seems fine. But what happens if AWS decides not to help? This scenario reflects an ongoing problem: the increasing reliance of the electric grid on private tech companies. Many utility executives and regulators might not realize that this trend could backfire, leaving…

As 2026 kicks off, retail investors are shifting their focus toward defense, energy, and precious metals. This change comes in response to the ongoing geopolitical unrest stemming from developments in Iran, Venezuela, and President Donald Trump’s ambitions in Greenland. U.S. oil giants Chevron and ExxonMobil are garnering significant attention, especially after Trump’s bold move to challenge Venezuela’s leadership. Investors in the UK are particularly keen on these stocks as they consider opportunities in Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest oil reserves. A trading provider, IG, reported that transactions for Chevron surged to twenty times the average in the first week…

Oil Market Focus on Trump’s Leadership Amidst Venezuela and Iran Issues Greetings from New York! In the oil trading world, attention is fixed on President Donald Trump as he navigates challenges in Venezuela and Iran. Recently, Trump reassured markets by suggesting that violence in Iran is decreasing, easing fears of possible military action. His statements led to a drop in oil prices after a period of increases driven by supply concerns. Brent crude, which had reached $66.52, saw a decline of over a dollar early Thursday as trading began in Asia. In the meantime, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is…

A Year of Change in Energy Policy Under Trump As Donald Trump completes a year of his second term, his influence is notable. However, his efforts to reshape the energy landscape are facing significant challenges. Major oil companies like ExxonMobil are hesitating to follow his directives, particularly when it comes to increased activity in Venezuela. Recent court decisions also hinder federal attempts to promote clean energy projects. Despite a drop in investments in green energy linked to the administration’s shift, the long-term trend toward renewable energy is still progressing. Renewable Energy: A Resilient Trend Trump has promised to boost fossil…

Mitsubishi Corporation is set to make headlines with its latest acquisition, purchasing Aethon Energy, the biggest privately held shale gas producer in the U.S., for $7.5 billion, which includes the company’s debt. This transaction represents the largest acquisition in the history of the trading house, known to have ties with Warren Buffett. The buying deal will allow Mitsubishi to obtain Aethon, which currently produces about 2.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas daily from the Haynesville basin, located in Texas and Louisiana. This move aims to strengthen energy supply, particularly as new technologies, like artificial intelligence, require more power. Given…

On Friday, the Trump administration, along with a bipartisan group of governors, asked the largest wholesale electricity market in the country to conduct a special “emergency” auction. This auction aims to create new power sources for data centers, which have been rapidly growing in demand. They requested that the PJM Interconnection hold the auction, allowing data center owners to bid on long-term power purchase agreements lasting 15 years. This move represents a significant shift from the typical operations of the grid operator. The Department of Energy noted that this initiative could facilitate up to $15 billion in new power plants.…

Energy Source Newsletter: Key Updates from London Hello and welcome to another edition of our Energy Source newsletter, bringing you insights directly from London. The energy sector is currently processing recent developments from the UK Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves aimed to address a pressing concern that’s being felt globally: the rising energy bills. By shifting some costs onto taxation and discontinuing a vital energy efficiency program, she managed to lessen typical electricity bills by around £150. This approach, which includes temporary subsidies for older wind and solar farms funded through taxes, has been positively received. Advocates believe it promotes a…

The U.S. power industry is experiencing a significant transformation, impacting both how energy is generated and how retail energy providers (REPs) interact with their customers. Over the past decade, the energy landscape has shifted gradually, but now a powerful change is taking shape. This new era features a cleaner energy mix, increased reliance on electricity due to digital advancements, and customers who expect their energy providers to align with their values. REPs are now faced with a dual challenge: they need to create a supply portfolio that can handle fluctuations in energy availability and prices, while also ensuring that this…