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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 4,600 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 3million 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 is truly 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.

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.

100+

Solar-Related Cos.

30+

Wind-Related Companies

136+

Online Wind projects in Texas

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 start-ups to experienced and evolved tech companies focusing on a range of activity, including blockchain, data analytics and AI.

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.

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Notable Employers
Industry Partners
18.6 percent

Wind energy's part of all in-state electricity production in Texas

27.4 percent

The Gulf Coast accounts for 27.4 percent of U.S. crude oil production

Houston Energy Conversations at SXSW

Demand Grows for ESG Solutions in Energy

Andrew Bruce of Data Gumbo and Al Carnrite of The Carnrite Group discuss the rise of ESG and its significance in the global energy transition.

Watch

The Energy Workforce of the Future

Katie Mehnert of ALLY discusses the looming talent shortage and workforce diversity needs of today's energy industry.

Watch

Powering the ClimateTech Revolution

Emily Reichert discusses how Greentown Labs is leveraging Houston's robust energy ecosystem to power the climatetech revolution.

Watch

Houston: Leading the Transition to a Low-Carbon World 

View the Partnership's strategy for how Houston can guide the global energy transition. The strategy builds upon Houston’s expertise and infrastructure in the energy and chemical sectors to accelerate low-carbon solutions that position Houston as the leading hub of energy and clean tech innovation. The strategy will direct the Partnership’s Houston Energy Transition Initiative which aims to drive sustainable and equitable economic growth in the Greater Houston region through a portfolio of technology, policy, and market initiatives that scale and export solutions for realizing a low-carbon energy world.  
 

Need more information about the 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
Jose Beceiro
Senior Director, Global Energy 2.0
Economic Development
E
jbeceiro@houston.org
P
713-844-3629
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Partnership Staff
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