This week’s energy headlines were shaped by a major U.S. policy shift, leadership changes in U.S. natural gas, steady upstream growth in Canada and Brazil and continued investment in North American midstream and power infrastructure. Here are the stories that stood out.
Top Stories
- U.S. withdraws from 66 global climate and clean energy groups
The Trump administration ordered federal agencies to withdraw from 66 international climate and clean energy organizations, including the United Nations climate framework. The move reduces U.S. participation in multilateral forums and standards setting, even as clean energy deployment continues to be driven largely by project economics at home.
- Ascent CEO transition follows multibillion-dollar takeover offer
Ascent Resources announced that founding CEO Jeffrey Fisher will retire at the end of January, with president and CFO Brooks Shughart stepping into the CEO role while continuing as finance chief until a successor is named. The leadership change comes just weeks after Ascent received a multibillion-dollar acquisition offer, keeping strategic options firmly in focus for the Appalachian gas producer.
- Canada’s Kelt lifts 2026 spending to grow Montney output
Kelt Exploration rolled out its 2026 capital program, increasing spending to support additional drilling and completions in the Montney. The plan targets a step-up in volumes while maintaining balance sheet discipline, reinforcing the Montney’s position as one of North America’s most competitive gas plays.
- Petrobras brings Búzios 6 online, lifting capacity to 1.15 MMbo/d
Petrobras brought the Búzios 6 system online in Brazil’s prolific presalt, adding a new floating production unit and lifting total field capacity to approximately 1.15 MMbo/d. The project also enables additional gas deliveries to shore via the Rota 3 pipeline, further integrating offshore production with onshore supply.
- Energy Transfer to spend more, deliver higher earnings in 2026
Energy Transfer raised its 2026 growth capital outlook to between $5 billion and $5.5 billion, pointing to higher adjusted earnings as natural gas expansions ramp. Spending will focus on enhancing the company’s gas network and serving new load pockets tied to power generation and infrastructure demand.
Additional Stories
Also this week: A new North Dakota gas pipeline moved a step closer to reality, BP handed out a key deepwater subsea contract in the Gulf of Mexico, a U.S. utility advanced a large fuel-cell power project and Pattern Energy expanded its renewables platform with a major acquisition.
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