BP Strategy Shift To See Green Energy Investment Cut

BP shares ended the day down 1.74%, as the firm announced a significant shift in its business strategy, aiming to enhance its share price by increasing its oil-and-gas production while reducing investments in clean energy. This new strategy is intended to win over investors, including activist hedge fund Elliott Management.

Chief Executive Murray Auchincloss has stated that BP's strategy has been fundamentally reset. The company plans to focus on pumping high-margin fossil fuels for an extended period and will be selective in its energy transition investments.

Since adopting a lower-carbon energy approach in 2020, BP's share performance has lagged behind its rivals. This prompted a strategic reassessment. Beginning in 2023, Auchincloss has curtailed plans for hydrogen and biofuel investments and initiated a cost-cutting drive.

As part of the revised approach, BP plans to allocate around $10 billion annually to oil-and-gas investments, aiming for a daily output of 2.5 million barrels by 2030. Conversely, investments in energy transition businesses will be capped at $2 billion annually, significantly less than the previous forecast of over $5 billion.

Additionally, BP intends to sell $20 billion worth of assets by 2027, which may include its lubricants business, Castrol. This strategic pivot indicates BP's renewed focus on traditional energy sources while taking a cautious approach to renewable investments.