Globalization and the need for a secure, affordable energy supply go hand-in-hand. Economic development is dependent on sufficient sources of energy – oil, gas, electricity, coal, and others. The availability and security of these resources are on the minds of many, from consumers, to political leaders to company executives.
PwC has been providing professional services to energy, utilities, and mining companies for more than 100 years. We help companies confront the industry's most challenging changes and issues, including:

• Addressing Sustainability
• Complying with Regulatory & Reporting Requirements
• Improving Performance & Operational Effectiveness
• Managing Industry Regulatory Change
• Industry Transactions & Consolidation
• Managing Financial Risk
• Managing Geopolitical Risk
• Recruiting & Retaining a Skilled Workforce
• Securing the Supply

Oil and gas

Oil and gas prices are at record highs, and are not expected to decline given the growing demand for these resources. Replacement reserves are located in more challenging locations, including deeper offshore waters and more remote onshore locations. Emerging markets, including China and India, have among the fastest growing consumption rates for hydrocarbons. Energy companies are diversifying their product mix, as non-traditional fuel sources become more price competitive, and alternative fuels are gaining interest. New investment in LNG, oil sands, oil shale, ethanol and other sources and products are showing rapid growth.
In such changing market conditions, oil and gas companies must also contend with changing regulatory requirements involving environmental, governance and reporting issues. The competitive environment is also changing, with National Oil Companies seeking greater participation in the global marketplace. M&A activities will likely increase as companies with large cash balances look for access to supply, or expansion into new markets

Utilities

The utility sector is complex and changing rapidly as companies pursue new models of value creation. Some strategies fiercely reinforce the traditional integrated utility strength of owning production, distribution and the customers. Others seek competitive advantage (or have it thrust upon them by regulators) by concentrating on particular parts of the energy chain. Previously sacrosanct national boundaries are falling as cross border investment progresses. Energy trading is becoming a risky essential. But the trend to liberalisation, convergence and competition for end customers is by no means uniform across territories. National differences abound.

Mining

Volatile and often falling commodity prices, depleted mineral reserves, stringent environmental regulations and restriction, rising operating costs and ever intensifying competition have seen the mining industry reassess its strategies and become ever more global in its focus. Recent mining accidents have also put safety issues into the forefront of managements’ concerns. The Mining companies around the world have responded to these challenges by consolidating and restructuring their companies, seeking new capital resources, and adopting innovative technologies. Investment incentive opportunities, deregulation, low-cost labor and the opportunities for large, high quality ore reserves have enticed companies to overcome previous entry barriers and explore emerging markets in developing mining markets. This ever-increasing move towards globalisation is driving a record number of mergers, acquisitions strategic alliances and joint ventures around the world.