BP has decided to abandon its target to cut oil and gas output by 2030
BP has decided to abandon its target to cut oil and gas output by 2030, as CEO Murray Auchincloss scales back the firm’s energy transition strategy to regain investor confidence, according to three sources familiar with the matter said Reuters. https://lnkd.in/dsqrPC6s
Initially unveiled in 2020, BP’s strategy was one of the most ambitious in the sector, pledging to cut output by 40% and rapidly expand renewables by 2030. https://lnkd.in/dWMr7MwG
However, in February last year, BP revised this target to a 25% reduction, aiming to produce 2 million barrels per day by the end of the decade, as investors prioritized near-term returns over the energy transition, according to Reuters.
Despite this shift, BP remains committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
The London-listed company is now focusing on new investments in the Middle East and the Gulf of Mexico to boost its oil and gas output, the sources said.
Auchincloss, who became CEO in January, has faced challenges in halting the decline in BP’s share price, which has underperformed compared to its rivals this year. Investors have expressed concerns about the company’s ability to generate profits under its current strategy, according to Reuters.
The 54-year-old Canadian, formerly BP’s finance head, has sought to distance himself from the approach of his predecessor Bernard Looney, who was dismissed for lying about relationships with colleagues. Auchincloss has vowed to prioritize returns and invest in the most profitable businesses, particularly in oil and gas.
Similarly, rival Shell has also slowed down its energy transition strategy since CEO Wael Sawan took office in January, selling power and renewable businesses and scaling back projects including offshore wind, biofuels, and hydrogen.
Both companies’ shifts come amid a renewed focus on European energy security following the price shock triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, Reuters said.
In May, Auchincloss announced a $2 billion cost-saving drive by the end of 2026. Recently, he has paused investment in new offshore wind and biofuel projects and reduced the number of low-carbon hydrogen projects from 30 to 10. https://bit.ly/3BAgeLK
Nevertheless, BP has acquired the remaining 50% in its solar power joint venture Lightsource BP and a 50% stake in its Brazilian biofuel business Bunge.
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