Many thanks for the positive feedback from our first PFC Energy Quarterly. For our second, we have tried to continue to focus on major emerging issues in the global world of energy - the theme running through these is one of change, in some cases unprecedented change, but in all cases change that presents both threats and opportunities.
The list of topics included in our first two PFC Energy Quarterlies is the tip of a larger set of problems and issues that PFC Energy staff are working on globally. We have made every effort to choose the most topical, but we have also tried to establish a base platform on which to view the major events of 2007 and the challenges facing our industry in 2008 and beyond. For our third PFC Energy Quarterly in Q1 2008, we intend to do just that - to take stock of the rapidly evolving world and the events of 2007, and to set a context for the challenges and opportunities emerging in the year, or years, to come.
Please continue to give us your feedback - we appreciate this enormously!
Lew Watts
President and CEO
PFC Energy
OPEC: Production Hike To Meet Short-Term Demand
OPEC's production increase signaled a need to balance short-term demand and longer-term uncertainties - and a continued commitment by the Organization to active management of crude oil markets.
Europe's Gas Headache
Europeans want a common energy policy to deal with their insecurity. What they really need is a common market.
China's Noise On Climate Reinforces Existing Energy Policies
For China, developing a climate plan is a way to reiterate and strengthen existing energy and environmental policies. Any steps taken will reinforce rather than dilute other policy objectives.
The Canadian Oil Sands: Reaching a Saturation Point
Despite growing interest, Canadian oil sands play continues to face significant obstacles to development. As the industry moves to work through these constraints, consolidation, technological innovation, and public relations acumen are likely to be key differentiators in the upstream competitive environment.
Rising Costs And Service Sector Bottlenecks: Will They Persist?
Oil and gas companies are reeling from escalating costs and service sector bottlenecks, worried that in spite of record oil prices the rising costs will erode margins well into the future.
Petrochemicals: Changing Dynamics?
Past petrochemical cycles may not be an indicator of future conditions - instead, companies need to take a fresh look at the structural drivers.
Fast and Faster: The Growth Of The Chemicals Industry In The Gulf
The chemical industry in the Persian Gulf is on steroids - it will become the largest in the world by 2015.
Indonesia: Rich Potential For Downstream Entry
Rapidly rising energy requirements are forcing Indonesia's once-monopolized oil sector to open up to international investment and competition.
