T. boone pickens net worth pounds 2017 –
With T. Boone Pickens’ staggering wealth topping the charts in 2017, we’re taking a deep dive into the life and times of the energy mogul.
From humble beginnings in Holdenville, Oklahoma, to becoming one of the wealthiest men in the world, T.
Boone Pickens’ rags-to-riches story is a true American success tale.
Born in 1928, Pickens grew up in a family of modest means, but his entrepreneurial spirit was evident from an early age. After serving in the US Marine Corps during World War II, Pickens landed his first job at Phillips Petroleum in 1946, marking the beginning of a successful career that would take him to the very pinnacle of the energy industry.
Net Worth in Pounds (Pounds Stirling) as of 2017
T. Boone Pickens, an American oil tycoon and investor, had accumulated an impressive net worth that reached far beyond the borders of his home country. This staggering figure, equivalent to billions of US dollars, had a distinct value in pounds sterling, reflecting the diverse nature of Pickens’ business interests and investments spread across various geographic and financial landscapes.
Factors Affecting His Wealth, T. boone pickens net worth pounds 2017
Throughout his illustrious career, T. Boone Pickens’ net worth was significantly influenced by the success of his business ventures, strategic investments, and charitable contributions.
- Business Ventures: Pickens’ keen eye for spotting opportunities and strategic risks played a pivotal role in shaping his vast fortune. His involvement in the oil and gas industry, particularly through his company, Mesa Petroleum, contributed substantially to his wealth.
- Investments: Beyond the oil and gas sector, Pickens diversified his portfolio by making strategic investments in real estate, finance, and renewable energy sources. This astute diversification allowed him to mitigate risks while expanding his wealth.
Notable Business Deals
T. Boone Pickens’ business acumen and shrewd negotiating skills enabled him to secure several landmark deals throughout his career. Some of these notable transactions include:
- Pioneer’s Sale: In 1976, Pickens engineered the purchase of a significant stake in Pioneer Natural Resources, a move that would ultimately lead to a multibillion-dollar deal with a major petroleum company in 1981.
- Mesa Petroleum’s Merger: The merger between Mesa Petroleum and Phillips Petroleum in 1989 marked a turning point for Pickens’ career, cementing his reputation as a master strategist in the oil and gas industry.
Converting Net Worth to Pounds Sterling
Converting T. Boone Pickens’ net worth from US dollars to pounds sterling requires knowledge of the prevailing exchange rate in 2017. According to reliable sources, the approximate exchange rate in 2017 was 1 USD = 0.79 GBP. Using this exchange rate, we can calculate Pickens’ net worth in pounds sterling.
The exact figure for Pickens’ net worth in pounds sterling in 2017 was not publicly disclosed; however, assuming an approximate net worth of $3 billion, a conservative estimate considering the exchange rate mentioned earlier would be approximately £2.38 billion (GBP) at the time.
Influence on Energy Policy and Conservation: T. Boone Pickens Net Worth Pounds 2017

T. Boone Pickens was a pioneer in advocating for a shift towards cleaner energy sources in the United States. As a prominent oil tycoon, he surprisingly emerged as a vocal champion of wind energy and natural gas, advocating for their use as alternatives to oil and coal. This seemingly contradictory stance was rooted in his concerns about the country’s energy future and his efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of fossil fuels on the environment.
Promoting Wind Energy
Pickens was a strong proponent of wind energy, recognizing its potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. He invested heavily in wind farm development, particularly in the Great Plains region of the United States. His company, Mesa Power Group, aimed to build a vast network of wind farms that would generate enough electricity to power 3 million homes.
This ambitious project reflected his commitment to scaling up renewable energy production and reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels. For instance, his flagship wind farm project in Texas involved the construction of over 2,000 turbines, which would have generated over 4,000 megawatts of electricity.
Moreover, wind energy was becoming increasingly cost-competitive, making it a more viable option for electricity generation. As he stated in an interview, wind energy offered a way to “break free from the shackles of the Middle East” and ensure energy security for the United States.
Natural Gas as a Bridge Fuel
Pickens also advocated for the use of natural gas as a bridge fuel to help transition the country away from coal and oil. He argued that natural gas was a cleaner-burning fuel compared to coal and offered a more efficient way to generate electricity. By promoting natural gas, Pickens aimed to reduce the country’s reliance on coal and mitigate the environmental impacts associated with its use.
His company, Clean Energy Fuels, developed a network of natural gas fueling stations to support the adoption of natural gas-powered vehicles.
As he emphasized, “We’re not going to win this war on terrorism by fighting it militarily… we’re going to win it by winning the energy war.”
In the next two decades, we can reduce our foreign oil imports by 50%, creating nearly 1.5 million new jobs and generating over $1 trillion in economic benefits.
Legacy and Impact
T. Boone Pickens’ efforts to promote wind energy, natural gas, and other cleaner energy sources have left a lasting impact on the energy landscape in the United States. His advocacy efforts have inspired a new generation of energy entrepreneurs and policymakers, who recognize the importance of transitioning to a cleaner, more sustainable energy mix. As a testament to his legacy, renewable energy sources have become increasingly prominent in the country’s energy portfolio, with wind energy generation alone increasing by over 50% in recent years.
T. Boone Pickens’ Investment Philosophy and Strategy

T. Boone Pickens’ investment approach is a testament to his long-term perspective and diversified portfolio management. A pioneer in the energy industry, Pickens has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and innovate in the face of changing market conditions. With a career spanning over five decades, he has established himself as a shrewd investor and entrepreneur, known for his calculated risk-taking and strategic partnerships.As a renowned investor, Pickens has always emphasized the importance of long-term thinking in his decision-making process.
He believes that a well-diversified portfolio is essential for weathering economic downturns and capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Through his various investments in the energy sector, including oil and gas, wind power, and geothermal energy, Pickens has consistently demonstrated his commitment to diversification and strategic thinking.
Diversification as a Key Pillar of Success
In 2017, Pickens’ investment portfolio consisted of a diverse range of holdings, including:
- C Clean Energy Fuels Corp., a leading provider of natural gas fueling infrastructure, with a market value of $1.8 billion at the time;
- Wind farms in the United States and Canada, generating clean energy and reducing carbon emissions;
- Geothermal energy projects, leveraging the Earth’s heat to produce steam and generate electricity;
- Oil and gas investments, including a significant stake in the BP plc energy company;
- Real estate holdings, including a collection of commercial and residential properties across the United States.
These diverse investments not only helped mitigate risk but also provided opportunities for growth and innovation. By spreading his investment portfolio across different asset classes and industries, Pickens has consistently demonstrated his ability to adapt and seize new opportunities.
Building a Strong Business Network
T. Boone Pickens’ success is not solely due to his investment acumen, but also his ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders. Through his various business ventures, he has developed a network of influential contacts, including politicians, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs.One notable partnership is his collaboration with George W. Bush, then-Governor of Texas, to develop a plan for alternative energy growth in the state.
This partnership not only helped advance Pickens’ interests but also promoted the concept of clean energy and sustainable development. His ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships has been a key factor in his success, enabling him to leverage resources, expertise, and networks to drive growth and innovation.
“The key to success lies in creating a solid foundation and building upon it, always staying adaptable and open to new opportunities,” T. Boone Pickens once said, reflecting his philosophy on long-term investing and partnerships.
FAQ Summary
What is T. Boone Pickens’ secret to success?
According to many, it’s his ability to take calculated risks, think outside the box, and build strategic partnerships that paved the way for his unparalleled success.
How much did T. Boone Pickens donate to charity in 2017?
While exact figures are hard to come by, it’s reported that Pickens donated tens of millions to various charitable organizations that year.
What was T. Boone Pickens’ biggest business deal?
One of his most notable deals involved the sale of his company, Mesa Petroleum, to Occidental Petroleum in a deal worth billions.
Did T. Boone Pickens ever fail in his business endeavors?
Yes, like any entrepreneur, he faced setbacks and challenges along the way, but his resilience and adaptability helped him bounce back time and time again.
What was T. Boone Pickens’ stance on environmental conservation?
As a pioneer in the energy industry, Pickens recognized the importance of protecting our planet and advocated for the use of natural gas as a cleaner alternative to oil and coal.