Energy Industry Guide

Some fuel for thought: From oil and gas to chemical development and production, the 10-county Houston region is the center of all things energy. The region offers a solid energy and chemical foundation and a workforce skilled in meeting the sector’s needs. The region’s large concentration of oil expertise and experience is a magnet attracting more oil expertise and experience to the area.

The Greater Houston Partnership has a unique place among business organizations. It combines opportunities for economic development, international business and public policy development. As the Houston region’s primary business advocate, the Partnership helps keep businesses connected and works in their interests.

Energy Facts

  • Houston houses more than 3,600 energy-related establishments.
  • Houston is home to 15 of the nation’s 20 largest natural gas transmission companies and 13 of the nations 20 largest pipeline products companies.
  • Houston has nearly 600 exploration and production firms.
  • Houston has more than 170 pipeline operators.
  • Hundreds of manufacturers of energy-sector products call Houston home.

In recent years, industry giants such as CITGO and Noble and smaller energy-related companies including Johnson Engineering and Hydralift, Inc. have relocated to Houston. Another 192 energy businesses have found Houston fertile ground for growth. In every case, expansions and relocations equal jobs for the Houston region.

Energy Downloadable PDF Fact Sheets

CITGO Case Study

Houston attracted one of the largest corporate moves in the nation in 2004. CITGO, a Venezuelan company, relocated from Tulsa to Houston. With the move, CITGO brought 700 direct jobs with plans to hire 300 workers locally for an annual economic impact of $475 million.

By June 2005 the company had moved its employees in to a 250,000-square-foot Class A office space on Eldridge Parkway in the Energy Corridor.

"CITGO's headquarters relocation enhanced Houston's recognition as Energy Capital of the World," said Kent Fuller, vice president of the Greater Houston Partnership's economic development division. "They are among a long list of energy companies choosing to relocate, consolidate or expand major offices in our community in recent years, including ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Devon, Kerr-McGee and Burlington Resources."

The Partnership worked extensively in attracting CITGO to Houston and assisting with its relocation. The Partnership coordinated site visits for the CITGO team, worked with building owners and their representatives to provide building proposals and provided economic, demographic and workforce information.

In addition, the Partnership teamed with local officials on presentations to CITGO officials in Tulsa and worked with state officials to secure a Texas Enterprise Fund grant and waiver of out-of-state tuition for relocating employees.

The Partnership also joined a host of local service companies, residential developers and educational institutions in a vendor's fair in Tulsa to showcase the community, cultural and quality of life benefits of the Houston area for employees relocating. Finally, the Partnership teamed with officials and economic development allies in Corpus Christi to secure the headquarters move to Houston and a major CITGO refinery expansion in Corpus Christi.

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Energy Events in Houston

Energy events bring together top talent, innovation and information.

  • Energy events in Houston include: the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) and the Energy Venture Forum. Held annually in Houston, OTC is the energy industry’s premier conference and exhibition focused on deepwater offshore technology. The 51,320 participants from 110 nations in 2005 represented OTC’s highest attendance since 1985. The exhibition included 2,087 exhibiting companies, totaling more than 410,000 net square feet, filling all available indoor and outdoor space.
  • The Energy Venture Forum at Houston’s Rice University introduces the most promising early-stage energy-related technology companies to leading venture capitalists. Participants hear about cutting-edge research and learn about emerging technology developments in traditional and alternative energy. Approximately 450 attendees participated in 2004.

Energy Resources in Houston

Where to go and what to do if you’re thinking of starting, moving or expanding your business in Houston.