There was a time in the late 70s early 80s when oil companies sought to diversify into solar and other areas. Exxon bought Zilog to diversify into semiconductor

There was a time in the late 70s early 80s when oil companies sought to diversify into solar and other areas. Exxon bought Zilog to diversify into semiconductors... it didn't last long. When Reagan came to power Carter's emphasis on moving towards alternative energy and away from oil came to an end. The oil companies were happy to play along and go back to being oil companies instead of energy companies that started out in oil.