Today, we discuss the importance of energy, what the growing demand for it means, and how hard it can be to deliver it. To demonstrate that, we are using Texas as a microcosm. Texas produces the most energy in the US. Its energy mix includes renewables, nuclear, natural gas, and coal, yet its citizens pay some of the highest prices in the Southern States. At the same time, it's ground zero for hyperscalers and the epicentre of fracking, yielding vast volumes of hydrocarbons.
Speaking to our host Paul Chapman on this episode is Mike Howard, one of the leading lights in the Texas energy sector, Founder and CEO of Howard Energy Partners, the largest privately owned midstreamer in the US. Beyond his business ventures, Mike is a key advocate for the role of energy in society and for getting it right in technology, physics, legislation, and investment.
Read below for our key talent impacts from this episode.
Key Talent Impacts
Is the widening talent gap driven by decades of under supply?
The conversation highlights how the industry is still living with the long shadow of the 1980s and 1990s downturns, when fewer young people entered oil and gas. This has resulted in a shortage of experienced engineers and technical specialists just as the sector faces rapid demand growth. Companies now need to recruit, train and retain talent more aggressively to avoid structural capability gaps.
Does the sector’s innovation intensity demand more adaptable, highly skilled workforces?
Shale development succeeded because every well effectively became an innovation experiment. That culture of relentless optimisation now defines US energy production. Talent therefore needs not only technical competence but the ability to analyse data, iterate designs and improve systems continuously. Employers must prioritise individuals who can learn quickly and adapt to evolving technologies.
Will AI and hyperscale infrastructure accelerate competition for critical talent?
AI driven electricity demand and the construction of multi gigawatt data centres are intensifying competition for engineers, project managers, construction specialists and power market experts. The energy sector will be competing directly with hyperscalers for scarce skills across grid engineering, thermodynamics, data centre power design and large scale equipment supply chain management.
Does policy uncertainty increase the need for leaders who can operate confidently in ambiguity?
The discussion reflects a sector influenced heavily by political decisions, regulatory shifts and market distortions. Talent at all levels needs stronger capabilities in risk analysis, regulatory literacy and strategic decision making. Companies will increasingly value leaders who can operate amid policy swings, long term capital cycles and moral hazard risks.
Does global energy inequality increase the need for internationally minded and cross-cultural talent?
Energy poverty, nearshoring in Mexico and growing LNG exports underline how interconnected the global energy system has become. This heightens the need for talent with international experience, multilingual capability, cultural understanding and geopolitical awareness. Midstream, trading and infrastructure players will particularly need people who can manage cross border partnerships and operate under different legal regimes.
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Edited highlights and themes from the podcast episode.
Why is energy demand growing so rapidly?
Energy demand is rising because global living standards depend directly on access to affordable, reliable power. As Mike Howard explains, countries that use more energy enjoy cleaner water, cleaner air, stronger education systems and longer lifespans. Growing populations, industrial expansion and the acceleration of digital technologies are placing additional pressure on grids and supply chains.
What makes energy so difficult to produce and manage?
Energy is difficult because every part of the system involves complex engineering, thermodynamics, regulation and economics. Howard notes that even in Texas, which produces vast quantities of oil, natural gas, wind and solar, reliability issues still occur. In practice, the market has not incentivised enough dispatchable power to match rising demand.
How did the shale revolution transform the United States?
The shale boom was enabled by private property rights, free market capital and continuous experimentation. Every well became an optimisation project, allowing US producers to triple oil output and double natural gas output in two decades. This innovation culture is unique to the US and very difficult to replicate elsewhere.
What impact will AI and data centres have on the energy system?
AI data centres are creating unprecedented electricity demand. Some facilities require one to five gigawatts of power, far more than typical industrial sites. Building these centres requires huge amounts of capital, specialised talent, advanced equipment and major grid upgrades.
Why does the global energy transition require both fossil fuels and renewables?
The podcast highlights that renewables are vital technologies, but they cannot yet replace fossil fuels for industrial heat, heavy transport, petrochemicals and large scale manufacturing. The sustainable path forward relies on a balanced mix of natural gas, renewables and new technologies that can support both affordability and reliability.