Majors see opportunity in utility fragmentation
PWC sees value for IOCs as the traditional utility model becomes less relevant
International oil companies (IOCs) returning to the utility business has been a clearly observable trend over several years, with the European headquartered majors at the forefront. Shell's installed generating capacity in North America is now above 10GW, of which one-third is from renewable sources, and it has also invested in Dutch offshore wind. In the UK, its acquisition of supplier First Utility sees it supplying 100pc renewable power, as well as gas and energy services, to domestic consumers, while, through MP2 Energy, it has also entered the US supply market. Shell has also bought into US and Asian solar, while it has made three investments in electric vehicle (EV) charging firms and
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub






