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Energy

As the Energy Capital of the World, Houston is the headquarters and the intellectual capital for virtually every segment of the energy industry including exploration, production, transmission, marketing, supply, and technology. Houston employs nearly a third of the nation's jobs in oil and gas extraction. Home to over 4,700 energy-related firms, the region remains at the forefront of foreign investment in energy - particularly in Mexico.

The critical mass created by such a high concentration of companies and thought leaders in one geographic area yields opportunities for all sectors of the energy industry, including a growing focus on energy tech and renewable forms of energy.

Business Climate

Houston's high concentration of energy expertise and experience has meant a large number of relocations to the Houston region in recent decades. The region offers access to 3 million workers and more engineers than any other U.S. metro. With more than 600 exploration and production firms, 1,100 oilfield service companies and more than 180 pipeline transportation establishments, Houston truly is the Energy Capital of the World.

237,000+

Energy Employment

44 out of 128

Publicly Traded Oil & Gas Firms

2.6 Million

Barrels of Crude Oil Processed

4th

Largest Concentration of Engineers

Additionally, new energy technologies such as hydraulic fracturing and deep-water offshore technology began or are centered in Houston. On top of this, Houston's petrochemical sector is experiencing record level growth with $50 billion in dollars of facility construction underway.

Notable Employers
Industry Partners

Renewables

As the brain trust of the global energy industry, Houston’s ecosystem offers a competitive advantage to energy companies working in solar, wind, biomass and other renewables activities. The region has a growing base of solar energy sources and is home to more than 100 solar related companies.

150+

Solar-Related Companies

40+

Wind-Related Companies

15+

Battery Storage Companies

Among Top 5 Sectors for VC

Cleantech Venture Capital Funding

Texas and Houston are well-positioned as leaders in developing large scale renewable energy projects in both wind and solar. The state continues to pave the way by leading the nation in installed wind capacity.

Energy Tech

As Houston continues to leverage its unique strengths with expertise, talent, and ability to scale, the region is creating an environment that naturally fosters emerging digital technology companies and their R&D work.

67

Energy Tech Cos.

21

Energy Focused R&D Centers

30+

Incubators, Accelerators & Coworking spaces

At least 21 of the Houston’s 40 corporate R&D centers are focused on energy technology and innovation. You can find a healthy mix of innovative startups to experienced and evolved tech companies focusing on a range of activity, including blockchain, data analytics and AI.

Energy startups represent 15% of Houston’s digital tech startups, employing more than 2,000 tech-savvy entrepreneurs and professionals.

Leading the Global Energy Transition

The Greater Houston Partnership is dedicated to strengthening Houston’s position as the Energy Capital of the World. The economic vitality and growth of our region’s economy is inextricably tied to the energy industry, and the industry is changing rapidly. In 2020, the Partnership prioritized efforts that will position Houston to lead the global energy transition to a more efficient and sustainable, low-carbon future and to accommodate global demand growth. In summer 2021, the organization released a strategy for how Houston can leverage its energy leadership to accelerate global solutions for an energy-abundant, low-carbon future and launched the Houston Energy Transition Initiative (HETI).

23+

Companies representing the full energy value chain, committed to accelerating the transition to an energy-abundant, low-carbon world

25+

Companies participating as HETI Investors in key industry vertical working groups

25+

Organizations representing Houston’s energy stakeholders – including government, academia, NGOs, e-NGOs, and community leaders

To learn more about the Houston Energy Transition Initiative, visit their website.

Total Nonfarm Employment has increased by 443,000 in the last decade
443,000
$79.41

Closing price for a barrel of WTI in April '23

Energy Committee

The Greater Houston Partnership's Energy Committee works together to spur and support the regional growth and development of the greater Houston region's Energy Industry. The committee's 90+ members aim to harness Houston's industry leadership in accelerating sustainable solutions for an energy-abundant, low-carbon future.

Contact Sara Muhammad Malik to learn more.

Houston Energy Transition Initiative

Related News

Related Events

Energy

Energy and Sustainability Forum

Forums are complimentary offerings provide lunch while leaders discuss current trends, the latest advancements and offer behind-the-scenes commentary on timely happenings across the region. This Forum will…

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Need more information about Houston's Energy industry? Your dedicated team member can help:

  • Assist in site selection analysis
  • Assist in evaluating and applying for incentives
  • Aid in the permitting process
  • Provide data on key business facilities
  • Facilitate and foster key introductions
Sara Muhammad Malik
Sr. Director, Global Energy Transition
Economic Development
E
smalik@houston.org
P
713-844-3638
Looking for the rest of our team?
Partnership Staff
Have someone from our Economic Development Team contact you:

Related Public Policy Committees

Energy Advisory Committee

Engages industry and policy leadership at the local, state, and federal levels to maintain sound energy policy.

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Sustainability Advisory Committee

Focuses on formulating and implementing a Smart Cities plan for the Houston region.

Learn more
Executive Partners