Upstream Briefing: Corporate Strategy, Water Deals, and New Exploration

Let's break down the most critical developments shaping the upstream oil and gas sector in August 2025. From corporate strategy shifts to groundbreaking water management deals, here’s what industry leaders need to know:

• BP’s Portfolio Overhaul: Why a strategic review could reshape upstream investments in Namibia, Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, and the North Sea.
• $1.5B Permian Water Deal: How Western Midstream and Aris Water Solutions are transforming produced water from a cost burden into a revenue-generating asset.
• Norway’s Licensing Comeback: The first frontier exploration round since 2021, and what it means for Europe’s energy future.
• Produced Water Legal Shift: Texas Supreme Court ruling turns wastewater into a valuable resource, with major implications for mineral rights and AI-powered water treatment tech.
• Mexico’s Fracking Reversal: Pemex’s 10-year shale development plan to boost production and attract private partnerships.
• U.S. Energy Outlook: Wood Mackenzie warns of a possible production decline after the mid-2030s—what’s at stake for energy dominance.

Whether you’re tracking upstream strategy, midstream innovation, or global exploration trends, this episode delivers actionable insights to navigate market volatility and position for long-term success.