Best Energy Consulting Firms?

Hi all,

I’ve looked at the older threads on this, but I figured it was time for an updated list. 
 

What are the best firms for energy consulting in the following categories?

1) big, generalist firms working on “energy transition”-related projects (e.g., McKinsey’s work with the Hydrogen Council)

2) niche firms working on specific aspects (e.g., renewables adoption)

 

As with most verticals, MBB are your 3 best bets, each with varying spikes depending on specific sub-verticals. You can't go wrong with any of them, especially if you're positioned in a Southern office.

If you're looking at boutiques, Guidehouse isn't exactly a strategy firm, but they're very active in the energy sector / energy transition topics.

 

It’s appreciated - reading about Guidehouse right now, they’re doing some really cool stuff.

Any advice for an undergrad currently working in energy strategy who hopes to get into energy consulting (risk, strategy, implementation)?
 

I’ve been struggling in deciding between going into consulting versus going into industry and trying to develop some legitimate expertise.

 
Most Helpful

Currently at a European MBB office, spending most of my time on energy/sustainability. 
 

All of MBB are strong, though Bain and McKinsey are stronger than BCG. Bain tend to get more European upstream projects, McK more midstream and consumer (though I think more upstream work in the US and definitely in Middle East / Africa). Bain are probably a bit stronger in O&G, McKinsey stronger in power (but Bain still get a lot of mega renewable project development, especially offshore wind). McK definitely leaders in emerging tech - hydrogen, LDES, CCS/CDR, etc. Despite this, BCG are probably overall leaders for climate and sustainability among MBB, though this is changing and McK have some big contracts that could help them win the market. 

In terms of the other “big” firms, PA have some really cool mega project work mostly for ME clients. Oliver Wyman have a few niches (eg sustainable aviation). Big 4 generally aren’t great, though KPMG pick up some of the bigger infra style projects and Deloitte more of the sustainable investing type energy work. 

Guidehouse and Baringa would be the two boutiques I’d highlight. We also see Aurora people around a lot, and some at broader environmental firms (eg, ERM work with BCG on renewables often). 

 

BCG is solid in this space, but hard to say it's the leader IMO. The thing with BCG is they have - by far - invested much more in marketing themselves as the #1 sustainability consulting firm out of MBB. I'm talking full page ads in the New York Times, etc. which you simply would not see from McK / Bain.

I'm in this space and would say that McK has invested a lot in expertise in this area (especially in emerging tech, as you mention) and Bain punches above its weight given with outsized market share in this area depending on the region / industry.

But overall, it's splitting hairs and would say that anyone interested in sustainability should be thrilled at any of the 3 - apply to all and see where things fall in the end.

 

Facere amet est consequatur quam inventore. Sed omnis id consequuntur est aut magnam eligendi. Incidunt asperiores cumque impedit perspiciatis. Aspernatur id et fugit perspiciatis. Explicabo id possimus adipisci voluptates earum aut ipsum sint.

Velit et iure quidem similique soluta sint. Sed autem voluptatem iste nemo. Nihil neque fugit quis ab. Et est accusantium quo reprehenderit itaque similique sed veritatis. Sit mollitia explicabo voluptatibus quod iusto.

Modi quos quasi porro laboriosam voluptatem doloribus deleniti dolor. Pariatur quasi maxime totam vero doloribus sit. Aut omnis rerum perferendis nemo sint non asperiores aperiam. Quibusdam error quo quis ipsam.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.4%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.9%
  • Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 98.3%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.7%
  • LEK Consulting 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 2024 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.4%
  • Cornerstone Research 98.9%
  • Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 98.3%
  • McKinsey and Co 97.7%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

April 2024 Consulting

  • Bain & Company 99.4%
  • McKinsey and Co 98.9%
  • Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 98.3%
  • Oliver Wyman 97.7%
  • LEK Consulting 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

April 2024 Consulting

  • Partner (4) $368
  • Principal (25) $277
  • Director/MD (55) $270
  • Vice President (47) $246
  • Engagement Manager (100) $226
  • Manager (152) $170
  • 2nd Year Associate (158) $140
  • Senior Consultant (331) $130
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (108) $130
  • Consultant (587) $119
  • 1st Year Associate (538) $119
  • NA (15) $119
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (146) $115
  • Engineer (6) $114
  • 2nd Year Analyst (344) $103
  • Associate Consultant (166) $98
  • 1st Year Analyst (1048) $87
  • Intern/Summer Associate (188) $84
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (552) $67
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”