Poll: Investors feel growing pressure to move away from fossil fuels

A new survey of institutional investors shows they feel increasing pressure to move away from fossil fuels and a growing belief that global oil demand will peak this decade.

Driving the news: The Boston Consulting Group polled 250 investors on the future of oil and gas, and how it fits into their strategies.

• Many are somewhat bullish on oil prices. 48% predict Brent crude will range from $60-$80 per barrel in 2024 and 20% seeing $80-plus.
• Investors are "optimistic that the...industry can continue its recent streak of strong short-term shareholder returns."
• 19% "absolutely" agree that crude demand will peak by 2030 compared to 9% with that view in last year's survey, while 41% "somewhat" agree.
• 57% feel pressure to divest from fossil fuels, 65% feel pressure to reduce those fuels' weighting in their portfolios, and 75% feel pressure to invest in "green" funds and companies.

The big picture: The findings show divides and convergence with climate advocates.

• On the divides front, nearly 70% say companies should be "actively pursuing" growth in natural gas production, with 85% seeing it as a "bridge" toward decarbonization.

What's next: BCG predicts increasing pressure on the oil industry. "Only 39% of respondents currently factor climate risk into their valuations of [oil-and-gas] companies, but another 40% say they plan to follow suit," BCG notes.

The intrigue: There's wariness about industry investments in carbon capture and storage, even as oil companies — including Exxon and Chevron — tout their efforts.

• 59% are "uncertain" about its value, while 37% see it as "value accretive." There's higher confidence in renewable power, storage and hydrogen.

Go deeper: U.S. now the world's top liquefied natural gas exporter