Redefining winning: Adapting to a new era of energy

Molly Determan, President, Energy Workforce & Technology Council 

To thrive, we must embrace innovation, defend our role in global energy markets, and embrace the moral responsibility of providing reliable, affordable energy to a growing population. The stakes couldn’t be higher—not just for our businesses but for the future of energy security and the global economy. 

HOW WE GOT HERE 

In the 1950s, winning meant increasing production to meet a post-war surge in global energy demand. The rise of automobiles and suburbanization fueled rapid expansion, with oil and gas playing an indispensable role in powering dreams of opportunity. 

By 2000, success had taken on a more global scope. Innovations in offshore and deepwater drilling, particularly in regions like the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea, became hallmarks of industry leadership. Technological advancements drove operational efficiency, while profitability hinged on managing fluctuating oil prices shaped by OPEC, geopolitical factors, and market speculation. 

Then came the shale revolution, which redefined our energy future. Driven by breakthroughs in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, the U.S. transformed into a global energy powerhouse, rivaling OPEC in production and providing a level of energy security not seen since in decades. Global demand continued its upward trajectory, fueled by rapid industrialization in developing economies. 

Today, the landscape has shifted again. Success is no longer solely defined by how much energy we produce but how responsibly we produce it. Stakeholders demand greater environmental accountability, and the industry has risen to the challenge. Advances in automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence (AI) are creating opportunities for smarter, more efficient energy production. Yet, progress has not come without challenges. Regulatory overreach and politically motivated policies have constrained growth, jeopardized energy security, and opened the door for foreign competitors eager to fill the void left by America’s LNG retreat.  

NAVIGATING REGULATORY CHALLENGES 

In the U.S., the past four years have underscored how excessive regulation can stifle progress. Methane taxes, an ever-growing list of endangered species near wellsites, and ill-conceived pauses on LNG exports have added layers of bureaucracy that impede growth. These policies not only undermine profitability but jeopardize America’s energy security at a time when global instability makes it more important than ever. These policies do not reflect sound science or economic rationale—they reflect a political agenda at the expense of hardworking Americans. 

Fortunately, the incoming Trump administration offers a promising shift toward pragmatism. With seasoned industry leaders like Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior, there’s optimism that domestic production will be prioritized, LNG exports will expand, and regulatory hurdles will be eased.  

Wright’s vision—grounded in combating energy poverty— has laid out ambitious plans to reach net-zero energy poverty by 2050. His leadership embodies the moral imperative that underpins our work—delivering affordable, reliable energy to communities around the world while driving economic growth at home. 

From heating homes to powering factories, reliable energy improves lives, drives economic growth, and lifts entire nations out of poverty. The U.S. oil and gas industry is uniquely positioned to lead this effort, but only if we have the freedom to innovate and grow. 

THE PATH FORWARD 

Winning in this new era will require bold action on multiple fronts: 

• Embracing Innovation:  
  AI is already reshaping the industry, enhancing operational efficiency, reducing emissions, and enabling predictive maintenance. Companies that invest in integrating these technologies—and upskilling their workforce—will gain a decisive edge in an increasingly competitive market.  
• Reclaiming the Narrative:  
  The false dichotomy between energy production and environmental responsibility must be challenged. The push to “transition” away from oil and gas is not only unrealistic, it’s dangerous. Renewables alone cannot meet the world’s energy demands. The U.S. oil and gas industry produces some of the most sustainable energy in the world, thanks to decades of investment in technology and operational best practices.  It’s time to reclaim the narrative. We are not the problem—we are the solution. Communicating this reality—and highlighting our role in reducing global energy poverty—must be a priority.  
• Leading the Energy Expansion.  
  Finally, we must lead the conversation on the future of energy. While renewables are part of the mix, oil and gas remain the backbone of global energy consumption and will be for decades to come. Achieving a low-carbon future will depend on the resources, expertise, and innovation our industry provides.  

In today’s global energy landscape, success is no longer defined by just one nation’s production achievements. Rather, it’s about how the oilfield services industry can adapt and thrive through collaboration, innovation, and environmental responsibility across borders. Oilfield services play a crucial role in advancing energy development worldwide, enabling countries to tap into new resources, and optimize operations. As the industry faces increasing pressures to meet global energy demand while moving towards more sustainable practices, OFS companies are at the forefront of the technological solutions that will drive efficiency, lower emissions, and increase production while ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks in diverse markets. 

The road ahead for OFS will be shaped by international partnerships and technological breakthroughs that push the boundaries of what’s possible in energy production. Whether it’s advancing offshore drilling technologies in the North Sea or improving unconventional resource extraction in Asia and the Middle East, the global OFS sector must be agile and innovative. 

REDEFINING SUCCESS 

 At its core, the oilfield services sector’s success has always been about more than profits—it’s about powering human progress. In the 1950s, it was about enabling post-war growth, in the 2000s, it was about driving globalization and leading the world in technological advancements. Today, winning means standing firm in the face of regulatory overreach, leading the charge in technological innovation, and ensuring that operators have the resources and expertise they need to succeed. 

 The OFS sector is more than just a vital part of the energy industry—it is a cornerstone of global economic growth and societal advancement. From creating jobs to facilitating energy access, the work of OFS companies empowers industries, fuels economies, and improves lives around the world. By championing policies that enable growth, continuing to deliver unmatched expertise, and embracing the transformative power of technology, the OFS sector will remain a driving force behind global progress. 

The future of energy services is in good hands. 

MOLLY DETERMAN is President of the Energy Workforce & Technology Council, leading the development and management of the association’s strategy and activities to promote the energy services and technology sector of the oil and gas industry. She advocates on behalf of the energy workforce and speaks frequently on workforce, culture, leadership, HSE and supply chain. Additionally, Ms. Determan oversees Energy Workforce committees, including those focused on leadership development, best practice sharing and benchmarking, as well as the acclaimed State Department Houston Energy Course. She earned bachelor’s degrees in journalism and German from Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. Ms. Determan serves on World Oil’s Editorial Advisory Board and is a member of Rotary International. She was named an E&P magazine “40 Under Forty” honoree in 2021, and HBJ’s Women Who Mean Business Award in 2023.