Understanding the Shifts: U.S. Production Slows and Investments Tighten

Explore the forces reshaping upstream oil and gas as U.S. production slows, capital spending tightens, and digital innovation accelerates. As operators navigate price volatility, evolving policy landscapes, and shifting global demand, leaders are rethinking portfolios, partnerships, and technologies to position for long-term success in a complex energy environment.

Key Topics Covered:

• U.S. Oil Production Slowdown: Why U.S. output is forecast to decline for the first time post-pandemic and the implications for shale producers
• Global Upstream Investment Outlook: IEA projections on spending reductions and the recalibration of tight oil and global capex
• Strategic M&A and LNG Ventures: Chevron’s $53 billion Hess acquisition and the Kimmeridge-Mubadala integrated LNG initiative
• Policy and Market Dynamics: Australia’s gas security review and its impact on LNG markets and export strategies
• Digital Transformation in Upstream: How AI, IoT, and digital twins are driving efficiency, safety, and data-driven decision-making
• Capital Discipline & Portfolio Resilience: Why fiscal rigor and low break-even assets are becoming critical differentiators
• Technology-Led Margin Protection: The role of digital completions, predictive analytics, and smart drilling in offsetting cost pressures
• Supply Chain and Financing Risk Outlook: Navigating inflation, supply disruptions, and investor scrutiny amid global uncertainty

This episode dissects the strategic imperatives for upstream leaders as they balance near-term volatility with long-term demand opportunities—highlighting pathways to resilience and reinvention in 2025 and beyond.