The Power of Market Intelligence: 25 Years of EIC DataStream

In this episode Our host, Stuart Broadley, is joined by Neil Golding, EIC’s Director of Market Intelligence, and Bob Gear, Head of Information Systems, for a fascinating look at the evolution of market intelligence and the story behind one of the energy industry’s most trusted data platforms: EIC DataStream.Marking twenty-five years since the launch of the original projects database, the conversation traces the journey from printed reports and manual data collection to today’s globally integrated market intelligence ecosystem covering more than 17,000 projects and 50,000 operational assets across the energy sector.Neil and Bob reflect on the early days of digitisation, the ambitious internal projects that shaped DataStream’s evolution, and the lessons learned from scaling a global data platform. From “Project Crossbow” and the infamous “God Plan” to the rise of APIs, agile development, and AI-assisted analytics, the episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on how technology, people, and persistence transformed EIC’s information services into a core strategic tool for the global energy supply chain.The discussion also explores the growing importance of accurate, forward-looking market intelligence in a volatile energy landscape. From tracking final investment decisions across oil, gas, renewables, hydrogen, and carbon capture to supporting government policy and industry advocacy, Stuart, Neil, and Bob examine how data is shaping investment decisions, supply chain strategy, and the future direction of the energy transition.At the heart of the episode is a broader reflection on trust, innovation, and the role of high-quality intelligence in helping companies navigate one of the most complex industrial transformations in modern history.What Is the EIC? The Energy Industries Council (EIC) is one of the world’s largest energy trade associations. As a not-for-profit organisation, it supports more than 950 member companies involved in the global energy value chain. EIC operates internationally, with offices in London, Kuala Lumpur, Rio de Janeiro, Houston, Dubai, and soon, Berlin.It is energy agnostic, supporting all parts of the energy sector. From mature renewable onshore and offshore sectors like wind, solar and hydropower; to grid infrastructure and large nuclear; to hydrocarbon sectors like oil & gas, LNG, FPSO, decommissioning, upstream, midstream and downstream; to emerging low-carbon sectors like hydrogen, carbon capture, CCUS, energy storage, BESS, biofuels, SAF (sustainable aviation fuels), and geothermal.EIC provides a wide range of services, including access to global market intelligence, CAPEX and OPEX project data, consulting support, events, business development opportunities, and advocacy. It also facilitates connections with key decision-makers and policymakers in the energy sector worldwide.Stay Connected with EIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the EIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore EIC membership ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about the Five Golden Rules for a Healthy Energy Supply Chain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn about EIC Consult⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact Stuart Broadley about doing your own C-level EIC podcast at [email protected] Produced, engineered, and promoted by: Samara Bernardo, Lucas Almeida, João Otero, Isabella Costa, Laura Carvalho, and Clara Machado.