An Unexpected Energy Research Hub
Cambridge is not a city of refineries or drilling rigs, yet it plays a surprisingly important role in the oil and gas industry. Leading energy companies have long funded research here, drawing on the University's expertise in geology, fluid dynamics, materials and chemistry. At the same time, many rural homes and businesses across Cambridgeshire are not connected to the mains gas network and rely on heating oil and liquefied petroleum gas. And as the sector transitions towards lower-carbon energy, Cambridge's research community is helping to develop carbon capture and cleaner fuels.
This guide highlights ten companies with research, supply or engineering connections to the Cambridge area.
The Role of Oil and Gas in the Region
Oil and gas still underpin much of the UK's heating, transport and industrial activity. In Cambridge the sector's influence shows up in three ways: advanced research partnerships, fuel supply to off-grid communities, and engineering consultancy that supports energy infrastructure. Increasingly, the same companies are investing in hydrogen, carbon capture and renewables, making them key players in the energy transition.
Top 10 Oil and Gas Companies
1. SLB (Schlumberger) Cambridge Research
SLB has operated a major research centre in Cambridge for decades. Its scientists work on subsurface imaging, drilling technology, fluid science and, increasingly, low-carbon solutions such as carbon storage and geothermal energy.
2. bp
bp has a long-standing relationship with the University of Cambridge, most notably through the BP Institute, which researches multiphase flow and other fundamental science relevant to energy. The company is also investing in renewables and low-carbon technologies.
3. Shell
Shell is one of the world's largest integrated energy companies and supplies fuels and lubricants through a wide network across the region. It also invests in research partnerships and energy transition technologies.
4. TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies supplies fuels and energy services in the UK and has stakes in North Sea production. It is diversifying into electricity and renewables as part of its long-term strategy.
5. Harbour Energy
Harbour Energy is one of the largest oil and gas producers in the UK North Sea. It is also involved in carbon capture and storage projects designed to reduce industrial emissions.
6. Calor Gas
Calor is a leading supplier of liquefied petroleum gas to off-grid homes and businesses. Many villages around Cambridge rely on Calor for heating, cooking and hot water, and the company is developing renewable alternatives such as BioLPG.
7. Flogas
Flogas supplies LPG and natural gas to homes, farms and businesses across the UK. Its bulk and cylinder services are well used in rural Cambridgeshire, where mains gas is not always available.
8. Mott MacDonald
Engineering consultancy Mott MacDonald has a significant Cambridge office and works on energy infrastructure projects worldwide, including oil and gas facilities, pipelines and the transition to low-carbon energy systems.
9. Cambridge Carbon Capture
Cambridge Carbon Capture develops technology to capture carbon dioxide from emissions sources and convert it into stable minerals. Its work offers a path to reducing the climate impact of hydrocarbon use.
10. Wood
Wood is a global engineering and consulting company with deep experience in oil and gas projects. It supports operators with design, operations and decarbonisation services across the energy sector.
Choosing an Energy Supplier or Partner
For off-grid households, compare heating oil and LPG suppliers on price, delivery reliability and contract terms, and consider whether a heat pump or hybrid system might reduce long-term costs. For businesses seeking engineering or research partnerships, look for proven experience, safety records and a clear commitment to lower-carbon practices. Public sector and university collaborations are often a good way to access cutting-edge expertise.
Trends in the Oil and Gas Sector
The sector is under pressure to reduce emissions and diversify. Carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and biofuels are attracting significant investment. North Sea production is declining over the long term, and the UK government has signalled limits on new licensing. Research centres in Cambridge are increasingly focused on transition technologies, including geothermal energy, subsurface carbon storage and advanced materials for clean energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do so many Cambridgeshire homes use heating oil or LPG?
Many rural villages are not connected to the mains gas network. Heating oil and LPG have historically been the main alternatives, although heat pumps and other low-carbon options are becoming more common.
What research do energy companies carry out in Cambridge?
Research centres and university partnerships focus on fundamental science such as fluid flow, geophysics and materials, with growing emphasis on carbon storage, geothermal energy and cleaner fuels.
How can off-grid households reduce costs?
Comparing suppliers, ordering at the right time of year, joining a local oil-buying club and improving insulation can all reduce costs. Over the longer term, switching to a heat pump may offer savings and lower emissions.
The Transition Ahead
The companies in this sector face a defining challenge: continuing to meet today's energy needs while building tomorrow's low-carbon systems. Cambridge's research expertise gives it an influential role in helping the industry develop and test transition technologies.
Conclusion
Cambridge's connection to oil and gas is rooted more in science and services than in heavy industry. The companies in this guide demonstrate how traditional energy players are using the city's research excellence to tackle the challenges of the energy transition, while still meeting the everyday fuel needs of the region.