Frac Sand Weekly News Digest
Nick Cook, Editor
Issue #501 | January 29, 2025
Bucket loads of news for you this morning. One of the main market factors we’re chatting about today is the effects of American data center power needs, the disruption of DeepSeek, and the M&A/investment activity of OFS companies into power generation. You ask, “Nick, why does that matter for frac sand?” Three ways off the bat: 1. it will effect how much nat gas is needed to provide electricity for those data centers (therefore, the amount of sand needed to frack those nat gas-heavy wells), and 2. it effects the overall health of oil & gas companies exposed to this market, 3. independent power generation companies in this market are facing more competition with deep pockets.
All that being said… the news is meant to hit that “shock” factor. We’ll let the dust settle and see what shakes out.
In the meantime, here are this week’s highlights:
- Big capacity expansion with frac sand M&A in the Eagle Ford (read here)
- Atlas Energy Solutions makes waves by acquiring Mosher (read here) and doing over 100 autonomous truckloads with Kodiak (read here)
- DeepDive into DeepSeek effects on power generation in the OFS space (read here)
Grab that cup of coffee, and let’s dig in.
And now, the news…
This Week's News
A Frac Sand Mine M&A Deal Has Been Struck
A frac sand plant in South Texas has traded hands...
Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. Announces Agreement to Acquire Moser Energy Systems
The transaction consideration includes $180 million of cash and approximately 1.7 million shares.
Here’s What A Pet Coke Proppant Wellsite Looks Like
Read more about all the companies involved in this wild frac site.
Kodiak goes commercial: Delivers first RoboTrucks to Atlas Energy’s private fleet
Atlas plans to add more heavy-duty self-driving RoboTrucks to its fleet in 2025 as Kodiak uses experience to build case for on-highway automation.
Another OFS Power Solutions Launch Coincides With DeepSeek Freak Out… Where Do We Go From Here?
Distributed power solutions have been a hot and trending growth avenue attracting multiple oilfield service firms in the Lower 48. But for how long?
Chevron, GE Vernova, Engine No. 1 Team Up to Power Data Centers
Joint venture aims to deliver 4 gigawatts of electricity for data centers starting by the end of 2027
There’s A New Wellsite Silo Player In The Permian…
New player in the silo space looks to shake things up!
Natural-Gas Firm Diversified Energy Strikes Deal for Permian Basin Player
The combined company would be worth about $3.8 billion, including debt. (Diversified Energy is expected to assume some $700 million of Maverick’s debt outstanding.)
Soft Frac Service Pricing Weighs On Halliburton’s New Year Outlook
HAL earnings hit the newswire this week with key points of interest to the broader completions market included in this article.
Oil Majors Flirt With Electricity
As power generators such as Vistra soar, oil-and-gas giants are dipping their toes into a business where they have some natural advantages.
Permian Sand Is Plentiful… Right? Hmmm, About That…
Looks like Permian sand isn't quite as plentiful right now as nameplate would suggest...
Is Halliburton’s Stake In VoltaGrid Increasing This Year? CEO Shares Thoughts…
More thoughts on OFS providers getting into the distributed power space.
How a Trump Trade War Puts Cheap Oil From Canada at Risk
A 25% tax on imports would mean new costs for U.S. drivers and fuel makers.
In Other News… Slide & Mine Downloads, Storm Update, OFS Competition, Driverless Sand Delivery, & People On The Move…
More datapoints relevant to the proppant space.
The Wide-Moat Express: Why Canadian National Is On Track For Unbeatable Value
CNI has established a reliable supply chain for frac sand, as it moves Northern White Sand from Wisconsin to Northeast British Columbia.
Controversial Frac Sand Mine Decision Delayed Again
A quick update today on the project, where local officials appear to have punted (again) on making a decision.
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