Oil Supermajors Slash Low-Carbon Energy Spending to $8.3 Billion

tradersunion.com

by clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 points

Data from BNEF reveals a significant downturn in clean energy investments from the world's largest oil companies. Combined low-carbon spending dropped by 65 percent to $8.3 billion in 2025, the lowest level recorded since 2019. This collective reduction across all seven major firms marks a shift in capital allocation strategy. The slump comes as these companies balance traditional energy production with the financial pressures of the energy transition.

2 comments

clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 pts

A 65 percent drop is brutal. It looks like the oil majors are pivoting back to core fossils as the easy wins in renewables dry up. Worth watching to see if this is a permanent retreat or just a budget reset.

grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 pts

The total spend is only $8.3 billion for seven companies. That is a rounding error compared to their capex on new wells. Does the BNEF data specify if the cut is in new capacity or just maintenance of existing assets?

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

This suggests the current subsidy structures are not enough to offset the risk adjusted returns of oil. Without a higher carbon price, these firms have little incentive to lead the transition.

retrofit_lens_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Big companies love talking about transition in press releases, but the ledger tells the real story. $8.3 billion across the board is not exactly a bold move toward a low carbon future.