Private-equity (PE) firms are readying to deploy more capital into the global oil and gas sector, with 25% planning acquisitions before the end of the year and 43% by the first half of 2017, a global survey of 100 PE firms active in the sector released by advisory firm Ernst & Young (EY) shows.

With $971.4-billion of PE dry powder from June 2016 still to be deployed, EY’s survey, ‘Capitalising on opportunities: Private equity investment in oil and gas’, reveals that PE firms are preparing to increase investment in the sector.

“Access to financing is arguably the biggest challenge facing oil and gas companies. While many expected PE funds to swoop in with capital during the oil price downturn over the last 18 months, investment has fallen short,” says EY Africa energy lead Claire Lawrie.

She adds that greater consensus over future oil prices and more favourable asset valuations, is, however, improving the conditions for PE and an uptick in deals is expected before the end of the year.

Owing to the debt burden of many PE- backed oil and gas companies, creative capital structures are on the rise, according to the report.

Of the 71% of survey respondents exploring new capital structures, 62% cite joint ventures (JVs) and drillcos and 59% cite contingent pricing as the most popular options.

As oil and gas companies try to raise capital and reduce debt amid the lower-for-longer price outlook, exploring new capital structures and strategies has become almost mandatory for investors.

PE-backed companies are looking to JVs to help them cut costs, while others hope contingent pricing will offer much-needed price stability.

When it comes to where capital is being deployed, the EY survey findings reveal increased attention to rising energy demand in emerging economies.

“There is an anticipation that dealmaking will grow in Africa, with 80% of survey respondents believing activity will increase.

“Investors are being drawn by the promise of new infrastructure initiatives across the continent, opening up new trade routes and enhancing regional integration, such as rail and port developments in Mozambique and Angola, as well as stronger regulatory systems in many countries, such as Kenya and Ethiopia,” Lawrie says.

The report also pointed out that PE firms are set to become more involved in the midstream and upstream segments in the next two years. An equal share of respondents see these two sectors as their best opportunity for a return on investment.

In today’s low oil price environment, PE firms are well-positioned to provide short-term and long-term financial solutions across the oil and gas sector, with 63% saying they will provide value for corporates through growth capital.

“PE firms have an important role to play in today’s transforming oil and gas sector. Opportunities will continue to emerge over the course of the year as more companies succumb to the new normal oil price environment. Funds looking to invest will need flexibility, patience and clear strategic plans to take advantage of a buyer’s market,” Lawrie concluded.