What’s the current state of the energy industry today? How are its structures, workforce, and technology innovations changing the landscape? What’s working and what isn't? In the final installment of a two-part series, host Daniel Litwin continues his conversation with a panel of young professionals at Opportune LLP to get a youthful and energetic perspective on the energy industry.

The delegation from Opportune includes Virginia Chan, Director, Sam Stewart, Manager, and Trey Brasseaux, Associate, a trio both carrying the industry forward and hoping to play a key role in reshaping it.

The energy industry has some pressing needs, one of which is the transition away from oil and gas and towards the financing and development of renewable energy sources due to increasing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) pressures. The sector is also facing short-term structural needs when it comes to ESG strategies.

Structurally, companies are establishing dedicated teams to prioritize ESG reporting and adherence, according to Brasseaux, a clear sign that companies are truly shifting structurally.

"Companies aren’t pivoting, but they are fully embracing ESG and they’re building out teams to do ESG programs,” Brasseaux says. “This is one of the biggest shifts that we’ve seen, and I would call that a structural shift.”

Stewart agreed that, while ESG is behind in the U.S. compared to Europe, companies are indeed making progress.

“I think it starts with reporting,” Stewart says. “I think once these larger companies get in there and report accurately, I think that’s the start of everything for ESG strategies.”

As ESG and sustainability continue to be front-of-mind in energy company boardrooms and executive meetings, so too is it a high concern for young professionals entering the industry.

“Showing that you’re serious about technology, and moving forward, and sustainability, and all the other ESG stuff, I think, is really important in getting new young talent into the industry,” Chan says.