Top 10 Best Oil and Gas Companies in Surrey Heath

Oil and Gas in the Surrey Heath Region

Surrey Heath may seem an unlikely place to discuss oil and gas, but the wider region has long-standing connections to the industry. Several major energy companies have significant UK offices within commuting distance of Camberley and Frimley, including in Sunbury-on-Thames, Leatherhead and Windsor. Onshore exploration has also taken place in the Surrey Weald. The industry therefore remains an important employer for engineers, geoscientists, finance professionals and technology specialists living in the borough.

At the same time, the sector is undergoing a major transformation as companies respond to net zero commitments and investor pressure. Many are investing in renewables, hydrogen, carbon capture and electric vehicle charging. Below are ten of the most significant oil and gas companies relevant to Surrey Heath.

The Changing Role of Oil and Gas

Oil and gas still provide a large share of the UK's energy needs, particularly for heating, transport and industry. However, the UK is moving toward a cleaner energy system, and North Sea production is gradually declining. Companies are balancing energy security with decarbonisation, creating new opportunities in low-carbon technologies alongside traditional operations.

The Top 10 Oil and Gas Companies

1. BP

BP is one of the world's largest integrated energy companies, with a major UK technical and business centre in Sunbury-on-Thames, within easy reach of Surrey Heath. It operates across oil and gas production, refining, trading and retail, and invests in low-carbon energy, EV charging and hydrogen. It is a major employer of professionals from across Surrey.

2. Shell UK

Shell is a global energy company with significant UK operations in upstream production, retail fuel, lubricants and low-carbon solutions. Its forecourts are familiar across Surrey Heath. Shell is also investing in EV charging, biofuels and energy trading.

3. ExxonMobil and Esso

ExxonMobil's UK operations, historically headquartered in Leatherhead, include the Esso fuel brand, refining and chemicals. Esso service stations serve motorists throughout the region. The company is also developing carbon capture and lower-emission technologies.

4. Centrica

Centrica, the owner of British Gas, is headquartered in Windsor, close to Surrey Heath. It operates gas storage, energy trading and supply businesses, and is investing in hydrogen-ready infrastructure and renewables. British Gas supplies energy to many households in the borough.

5. Harbour Energy

Harbour Energy is one of the largest independent oil and gas producers, with major North Sea operations. It plays an important role in UK energy security and is involved in carbon capture and storage projects. Its operations support a large supply chain across the country.

6. TotalEnergies UK

TotalEnergies operates North Sea production, energy supply, lubricants and renewable energy projects in the UK. It is investing heavily in offshore wind and solar. Its broad energy portfolio reflects the industry's transition toward multi-energy companies.

7. UK Oil and Gas

UK Oil and Gas is an independent company that has explored onshore oil and gas opportunities in southern England, including the Surrey Weald. Its activities have been closely followed locally due to environmental and planning considerations. It illustrates the complex balance between energy supply and local environmental priorities.

8. Certas Energy

Certas Energy is one of the UK's largest distributors of fuels and lubricants, supplying businesses, farms and households. It delivers heating oil, diesel and lubricants and supports customers moving to lower-carbon fuels such as HVO. Rural properties around Chobham and Windlesham may rely on heating oil distributors like Certas.

9. Wood

Wood is a global engineering and consulting company serving the oil, gas and wider energy sectors. It provides design, project management and operational support, and increasingly works on decarbonisation and hydrogen projects. Its expertise supports the industry's transition.

10. Equinor UK

Equinor is a major North Sea operator with a growing UK presence in offshore wind and low-carbon solutions. It operates significant oil and gas fields and is developing carbon capture and hydrogen projects. Its strategy reflects a strong commitment to the energy transition.

Industry Trends

The oil and gas industry is facing significant change. Energy security has become a priority following global supply disruptions. At the same time, government policy is focused on achieving net zero, limiting new licensing and encouraging investment in clean technologies. Carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and offshore wind are attracting investment from traditional energy companies. Fuel retailers are expanding EV charging networks, and lower-carbon fuels such as HVO are gaining popularity for heating and transport.

For professionals in Surrey Heath, these changes are creating new career paths in energy transition, data analytics and sustainability consulting.

What This Means for Local Residents and Businesses

Households can benefit from competitive fuel and heating options while gradually transitioning to electric heating and vehicles. Businesses with fleets are exploring lower-carbon fuels and EV charging. Engineers and specialists in the borough benefit from strong employment opportunities with major energy companies nearby.

Conclusion

Oil and gas companies remain an important part of the energy landscape for Surrey Heath, providing fuel, heating, employment and investment. As the industry evolves, many of these businesses are playing a central role in the transition to cleaner energy, shaping how homes and businesses across Camberley, Frimley and beyond will be powered in the future.