Walters Exploration Company is a small independent Texas oil operator focused on conventional development in West Texas, with 10 well permits since 2017, including 9 wells that progressed to drilling activity. After limited drilling activity over the past several years, the company drilled its first well of 2026 on July 6 in Nolan County, signaling renewed investment in its mature conventional asset base.
Perun Energy LLC has begun establishing operations in Reeves County after acquiring producing facilities from UpCurve Energy LLC and assuming ownership of multiple TCEQ-permitted production assets. The company has also initiated its first horizontal drilling program with three Wolfbone wells, signaling the start of active development in the Delaware Basin.
Greenfire Resources will acquire Connacher Oil and Gas for approximately C$1.27 billion, adding the Great Divide oil sands project and increasing combined production to approximately 34,000 bpd. The transaction expands Greenfire’s long-life reserves, creates an estimated C$30 million in annual synergies, and positions the company for future production growth toward 65,000 bpd.
Shell has begun the contracting process for its Dragon offshore gas project, with a four-well drilling program targeted to begin in the second quarter of 2027 following a final investment decision. The project, together with Shell’s pending acquisition of ARC Resources, reflects the company’s continued strategy of expanding its global natural gas and LNG supply portfolio.
SLB and Liberty Energy have formed a strategic alliance to deliver modular infrastructure and behind-the-meter power generation solutions for AI data centers. The companies expect to support more than 5 GW of combined project capacity over the next several years, reflecting growing demand for reliable natural gas-powered energy infrastructure.
Renewed U.S.-Iran military action and increased security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz pushed WTI and Brent crude prices sharply higher as markets priced in elevated supply risk. The development highlights the growing strategic value of reliable North American energy production and continued investment in upstream and midstream infrastructure.
President Trump announced plans to impose a 20% reimbursement fee on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz while reinstating a blockade targeting Iranian shipping. The announcement adds new uncertainty to global energy markets and highlights the strategic importance of secure North American oil and natural gas supplies.
Meta has expanded its planned Hyperion AI data center in Louisiana from 2 GW to 5 GW, increasing the project’s value to more than $50 billion. The development further strengthens the connection between AI infrastructure growth and long-term demand for North American natural gas, power generation, and energy infrastructure.
TG Natural Resources (TGNR) is rapidly expanding its Haynesville Shale position through disciplined portfolio optimization, highlighted by its Chevron joint venture and transition to operatorship of a long-life East Texas natural gas asset base. Rather than pursuing rapid growth, the company is executing a factory-style development model that combines standardized drilling, coordinated infrastructure, and LNG-focused market access to create a scalable, long-term platform for reliable natural gas production.
FireBird Energy II continues to advance its Midland Basin development through disciplined Spraberry drilling programs, centralized production infrastructure, and targeted facility acquisitions from ConocoPhillips. The combination of repeatable well execution and existing production assets strengthens the company’s operating position while creating opportunities for oilfield service and infrastructure providers.
