Oil Business Model Transformation
The oil industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by a range of factors such as changes in global energy demand, technological advances, and increasing environmental concerns. These changes have prompted oil companies to re-evaluate their business models and adapt to new market realities.
Quick Links
In response, many companies in the industry have pursued business model transformation, seeking to diversify their operations, increase efficiency and productivity, and develop new sources of revenue. This has involved a range of strategies, including digital transformation, diversification into renewable energy, and adoption of new operational models.
Why is Oil Business Model Transformation Important?
Oil business model transformation is important for several reasons. Firstly, the global energy landscape is rapidly changing, with increased focus on renewable energy sources and a shift away from fossil fuels. This is driven by concerns over climate change, air pollution, and the depletion of finite resources. As such, oil companies must adapt to these changing market conditions to remain competitive and relevant in the long term.
Secondly, there is growing demand for greater efficiency and productivity in the oil industry, with companies seeking to reduce costs, improve operational performance, and optimise their supply chains. This has led to the adoption of new technologies such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence, as well as new operational models such as lean manufacturing and agile supply chain management.
Thirdly, there is increasing pressure from stakeholders such as investors, regulators, and the public for greater environmental responsibility and sustainability in the oil industry. This has prompted many companies to diversify their operations into renewable energy sources and develop more sustainable business models.
Overall, oil business model transformation is important for companies in the industry to remain competitive, improve operational performance, and meet the changing demands of customers and stakeholders. By embracing new technologies, operational models, and business strategies, oil companies can position themselves for long-term success in a rapidly changing global energy landscape.
What are the Main Challenges of Oil Business Model Transformation?
Oil business model transformation faces several challenges, including:
1. Dependence on traditional business models: Many oil companies have long relied on traditional business models centred on oil exploration and production. As such, transitioning to new business models that incorporate renewable energy sources and more sustainable practices can be a significant challenge.
2. High capital requirements: Developing and implementing new technologies and operational models can be costly, requiring significant investments in infrastructure, equipment, and human capital. This can be a challenge for companies with limited financial resources or those operating in a highly competitive market.
3. Regulatory barriers: The oil industry is subject to complex regulatory frameworks and requirements, which can present barriers to business model transformation. Companies must navigate a range of regulatory challenges, such as compliance with environmental regulations and securing permits for new projects.
4. Resistance to change: Business model transformation can require significant changes in organisational culture, processes, and practices. Resistance to change from employees, stakeholders, and even customers can pose a challenge for companies seeking to implement new business models.
5. Uncertainty and volatility: The oil industry is subject to fluctuations in global energy demand, commodity prices, and geopolitical instability. These factors can create uncertainty and volatility in the market, making it challenging for companies to predict and plan for the future.
6. Talent and skills gap: Adopting new technologies and operational models requires a workforce with the necessary skills and expertise. However, there may be a talent and skills gap in the industry, making it challenging to recruit and retain the necessary talent for business model transformation.
10 Examples of Oil Business Model Transformation
The oil industry has seen numerous examples of business model transformation in recent years, driven by changing market conditions, advances in technology, and growing demand for sustainability. Companies have diversified into renewable energy sources, adopted new operational models, and embraced digital transformation, among other strategies.
Here are 10 examples of oil business model transformation:
ExxonMobil Business Model Transformation
ExxonMobil has been going through a business model transformation in response to changing market conditions and increased pressure to address environmental concerns. Historically, ExxonMobil has been primarily focused on the production and sale of fossil fuels, including oil and natural gas. However, in recent years, the company has been expanding its focus to include other areas such as renewable energy, carbon capture, and advanced biofuels.
One aspect of the transformation has been a shift in the company’s research and development efforts. ExxonMobil has traditionally invested heavily in research aimed at increasing oil and gas production efficiency and developing new oil and gas reserves. However, the company has now shifted some of this focus towards developing new technologies for carbon capture, storage, and utilisation.
Another aspect of the transformation has been a move towards a more diversified energy portfolio. ExxonMobil has been investing in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, as well as developing new biofuels made from algae and other sources. The company has also been exploring new business models, such as providing energy services and storage solutions to customers.

ExxonMobil has also been working to reduce its own carbon footprint. The company has set targets to reduce its methane emissions and to improve its energy efficiency. Additionally, ExxonMobil has been exploring ways to reduce the carbon intensity of its products, such as by using carbon capture technology to reduce emissions from its refineries.
ExxonMobil’s business model transformation in oil is a response to changing market conditions and the need to address environmental concerns. The company has shifted its focus towards developing new technologies for carbon capture and storage, investing in renewable energy sources, and reducing its own carbon footprint. This shift towards a more diversified energy portfolio and a focus on sustainability represents a significant change for ExxonMobil, and it will be interesting to see how the company continues to evolve in the coming years.
Royal Dutch Shell Business Model Transformation
Royal Dutch Shell has been going through a business model transformation in response to changing market conditions, increased pressure to address environmental concerns, and the company’s own strategic objectives. Historically, Shell has been primarily focused on the production and sale of fossil fuels, including oil and natural gas. However, in recent years, the company has been expanding its focus to include other areas such as renewable energy, electric vehicle charging, and hydrogen.
One aspect of the transformation has been a shift in the company’s research and development efforts. Shell has been investing in new technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and developing renewable energy sources. For example, the company has been developing biofuels made from waste materials and investing in wind and solar power projects.
Another aspect of the transformation has been a move towards a more diversified energy portfolio. Shell has been investing in businesses related to electric vehicle charging, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and energy storage. The company has also been exploring new business models, such as providing energy services and solutions to customers.
Shell has also set targets to reduce its own carbon footprint. The company has set targets to reduce its net carbon footprint to zero by 2050, including both the emissions from its operations and the emissions from the use of its products. Shell is also investing in carbon capture and storage technology to reduce emissions from its operations.
Shell’s business model transformation in oil is a response to changing market conditions and the need to address environmental concerns. The company has shifted its focus towards developing new technologies for renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. This shift towards a more diversified energy portfolio and a focus on sustainability represents a significant change for Shell, and it will be interesting to see how the company continues to evolve in the coming years.
Chevron Business Model Transformation
Chevron has been going through a business model transformation in response to changing market conditions and increased pressure to address environmental concerns. Historically, Chevron has been primarily focused on the production and sale of fossil fuels, including oil and natural gas. However, in recent years, the company has been expanding its focus to include other areas such as renewable energy, carbon capture, and advanced biofuels.

One aspect of the transformation has been a shift in the company’s research and development efforts. Chevron has been investing in new technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and developing renewable energy sources. For example, the company has been developing new technologies for carbon capture, utilisation, and storage, as well as investing in wind and solar power projects.
Another aspect of the transformation has been a move towards a more diversified energy portfolio. Chevron has been investing in businesses related to electric vehicle charging, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and energy storage. The company has also been exploring new business models, such as providing energy services and solutions to customers.
Chevron has also set targets to reduce its own carbon footprint. The company has set targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 35-45% by 2025, and has a goal of net-zero emissions from its operations by 2050. Additionally, Chevron is working to reduce the carbon intensity of its products by developing lower-carbon fuels and investing in carbon capture and storage technology.
Chevron’s business model transformation in oil is a response to changing market conditions and the need to address environmental concerns. The company has shifted its focus towards developing new technologies for renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. This shift towards a more diversified energy portfolio and a focus on sustainability represents a significant change for Chevron, and it will be interesting to see how the company continues to evolve in the coming years.
BP Business Model Transformation
BP has been going through a business model transformation in response to changing market conditions and increased pressure to address environmental concerns. Historically, BP has been primarily focused on the production and sale of fossil fuels, including oil and natural gas. However, in recent years, the company has been expanding its focus to include other areas such as renewable energy, electric vehicle charging, and hydrogen.
One aspect of the transformation has been a shift in the company’s research and development efforts. BP has been investing in new technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and developing renewable energy sources. For example, the company has been developing advanced biofuels made from waste materials and investing in wind and solar power projects.
Another aspect of the transformation has been a move towards a more diversified energy portfolio. BP has been investing in businesses related to electric vehicle charging, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and energy storage. The company has also been exploring new business models, such as providing energy services and solutions to customers.
BP has also set targets to reduce its own carbon footprint. The company has set targets to become a net-zero company by 2050, including both its own operations and the emissions from the use of its products. Additionally, BP has pledged to reduce its oil and gas production by 40% over the next decade, while increasing its investment in low-carbon energy sources.
BP’s business model transformation in oil is a response to changing market conditions and the need to address environmental concerns. The company has shifted its focus towards developing new technologies for renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. This shift towards a more diversified energy portfolio and a focus on sustainability represents a significant change for BP, and it will be interesting to see how the company continues to evolve in the coming years.
ConocoPhillips Business Model Transformation
ConocoPhillips has been going through a business model transformation in response to changing market conditions and increased pressure to address environmental concerns. Historically, ConocoPhillips has been primarily focused on the production and sale of fossil fuels, including oil and natural gas. However, in recent years, the company has been expanding its focus to include other areas such as renewable energy, carbon capture, and advanced biofuels.
One aspect of the transformation has been a shift in the company’s research and development efforts. ConocoPhillips has been investing in new technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and developing renewable energy sources. For example, the company has been developing new technologies for carbon capture, utilisation, and storage, as well as investing in wind and solar power projects.
Another aspect of the transformation has been a move towards a more diversified energy portfolio. ConocoPhillips has been investing in businesses related to electric vehicle charging, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and energy storage. The company has also been exploring new business models, such as providing energy services and solutions to customers.

ConocoPhillips has also set targets to reduce its own carbon footprint. The company has set a goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 30% by 2023, and has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions from its operations by 2050. Additionally, ConocoPhillips is working to reduce the carbon intensity of its products by developing lower-carbon fuels and investing in carbon capture and storage technology.
ConocoPhillips’ business model transformation in is a response to changing market conditions and the need to address environmental concerns. The company has shifted its focus towards developing new technologies for renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. This shift towards a more diversified energy portfolio and a focus on sustainability represents a significant change for ConocoPhillips, and it will be interesting to see how the company continues to evolve in the coming years.
Total Business Model Transformation
Total has been going through a business model transformation in response to changing market conditions and increased pressure to address environmental concerns. Historically, Total has been primarily focused on the production and sale of fossil fuels, including oil and natural gas. However, in recent years, the company has been expanding its focus to include other areas such as renewable energy, electric vehicle charging, and energy storage.
One aspect of the transformation has been a shift in the company’s research and development efforts. Total has been investing in new technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and developing renewable energy sources. For example, the company has been investing in solar and wind power projects, as well as developing advanced biofuels made from waste materials.
Another aspect of the transformation has been a move towards a more diversified energy portfolio. Total has been investing in businesses related to electric vehicle charging, energy storage, and hydrogen fuel cell technology. The company has also been exploring new business models, such as providing energy services and solutions to customers.
Total has also set targets to reduce its own carbon footprint. The company has set a goal of becoming a net-zero energy company by 2050, including both its own operations and the emissions from the use of its products. Additionally, Total has pledged to reduce the carbon intensity of its products by 15-20% by 2030, while increasing its investment in low-carbon energy sources.
Total’s oil business model transformation is a response to changing market conditions and the need to address environmental concerns. The company has shifted its focus towards developing new technologies for renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. This shift towards a more diversified energy portfolio and a focus on sustainability represents a significant change for Total, and it will be interesting to see how the company continues to evolve in the coming years.
ENI Business Model Transformation
ENI has been going through a business model transformation in response to changing market conditions and increased pressure to address environmental concerns. Historically, ENI has been primarily focused on the production and sale of fossil fuels, including oil and natural gas. However, in recent years, the company has been expanding its focus to include other areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and circular economy.
One aspect of the transformation has been a shift in the company’s research and development efforts. ENI has been investing in new technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and developing renewable energy sources. For example, the company has been developing new technologies for carbon capture, utilisation, and storage, as well as investing in solar and wind power projects.
Another aspect of the transformation has been a move towards a more diversified energy portfolio. ENI has been investing in businesses related to electric vehicle charging, energy storage, and hydrogen fuel cell technology. The company has also been exploring new business models, such as providing energy services and solutions to customers.
ENI has also set targets to reduce its own carbon footprint. The company has set a goal of becoming a net-zero energy company by 2050, including both its own operations and the emissions from the use of its products. Additionally, ENI has pledged to reduce the carbon intensity of its products by 55% by 2030, while increasing its investment in low-carbon energy sources.
Overall, ENI’s oil business model transformation is a response to changing market conditions and the need to address environmental concerns. The company has shifted its focus towards developing new technologies for renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions. This shift towards a more diversified energy portfolio and a focus on sustainability represents a significant change for ENI, and it will be interesting to see how the company continues to evolve in the coming years.
Occidental Petroleum Corporation Business Model Transformation
Occidental Petroleum Corporation (Oxy) has undergone several business model transformations in response to changes in the oil business model transformation and gas industry. One of its most significant transformations began in the mid-2010s and focused on the company’s portfolio management strategy.
Traditionally, Oxy was heavily focused on upstream operations, which involved exploration, production, and development of oil business model transformation and gas reserves. However, the company recognised that the market was shifting towards a more diversified energy mix, with increasing demand for renewable energy and natural gas.
To adapt to this changing landscape, Oxy began divesting its non-core assets and reinvesting the proceeds into more profitable and strategic areas. This involved a shift towards downstream operations, such as refining and marketing, which would provide more stable and predictable cash flows.
In 2019, Oxy made a bold move by acquiring Anadarko Petroleum for $57 billion, which significantly expanded its footprint in the Permian Basin, one of the world’s most prolific oil business model transformation and gas fields. However, the acquisition also resulted in a significant increase in debt, which the company has been working to reduce since then.
More recently, Oxy has continued to transform its business model by expanding its presence in the renewable energy sector. The company has set a target to achieve net-zero emissions from its operations by 2040 and has been investing in solar and wind projects.
Oxy’s business model transformation has been focused on optimising its portfolio to adapt to changing market conditions, diversify its revenue streams, and position the company for long-term sustainability in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Hess Corporation Business Model Transformation
The Hess Corporation is a global oil business model transformation and gas exploration and production company that has undergone significant business model transformation over the years. One of its most significant transformations began in the mid-2010s, which focused on streamlining the company’s operations and optimising its portfolio.
Traditionally, Hess had a diversified portfolio of assets, with operations in various regions worldwide, including Asia, Europe, and the United States. However, the company recognised that it was spread too thin and needed to focus on its core areas of expertise.
To achieve this, Hess began divesting non-core assets, including its downstream operations, such as refining and marketing. The company also shifted its focus to its most profitable and promising upstream operations, particularly in the Bakken shale play in North Dakota and the Gulf of Mexico.
Hess has invested heavily in technology and innovation to improve the efficiency and profitability of its operations. For instance, the company has implemented digital technologies to optimise its drilling and production processes, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.
In recent years, Hess has continued to transform its business model by embracing sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. The company has set targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Hess’s business model transformation has been focused on optimising its portfolio, improving efficiency and profitability, and embracing sustainability to ensure long-term viability in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Marathon Oil Business Model Transformation
Marathon Oil is an independent exploration and production company that has undergone several business model transformations over the years. One of its most significant transformations began in the mid-2010s, which focused on improving the company’s financial flexibility, reducing costs, and optimising its portfolio.
To achieve this, Marathon Oil divested non-core assets, including its downstream operations, such as refining and marketing. The company also shifted its focus to its most profitable and promising upstream operations, particularly in the Eagle Ford shale play in Texas, the Bakken shale play in North Dakota, and the STACK/SCOOP plays in Oklahoma.

Marathon Oil also implemented several cost-cutting measures, including reducing its workforce, streamlining operations, and improving efficiency. The company invested in technology and innovation to optimise its drilling and production processes, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.
In recent years, Marathon Oil has continued to transform its business model by embracing sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. The company has set targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2025 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Marathon Oil has also embraced digital technologies to improve its operations and create a more data-driven and agile organisation. The company has implemented advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to optimise its operations, reduce costs, and improve decision-making.
Marathon Oil’s business model transformation has been focused on improving financial flexibility, reducing costs, optimising its portfolio, embracing sustainability, and leveraging digital technologies to ensure long-term viability in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
The Future of Oil Business Model Transformation
The future of oil business model transformation is likely to be shaped by a range of factors, including changing global energy demand, increasing concerns around sustainability and the environment, and advances in technology. Companies in the industry are likely to continue diversifying into renewable energy sources, embracing digital transformation, and adopting new operational models to improve efficiency and productivity.
There is also a growing trend towards collaboration and partnership between companies, as well as with other stakeholders such as governments, research institutions, and civil society organisations. This is likely to drive greater innovation and accelerate the pace of transformation in the industry. Furthermore, companies will need to prioritise sustainability and environmental responsibility to meet evolving stakeholder demands and regulatory requirements.
Overall, the future of oil business model transformation is likely to be characterised by ongoing adaptation and evolution, driven by changing market conditions and stakeholder expectations.