GLG News by Casing Oilfield Equipment Experts

David TkachukFounder and President PROCONSULT International Inc.

Eagle Ford Shale Attracts Big Players With Sizeable Acquisitions

October 11, 2010

Analysis of:An inconvenient truth about OPEC | www.energytribune.com

In separate acquistions China's CNOOC and a Statoil - Talisman JV have collectively done deals to acquire acreage in the Eagle Ford shale for a collective total of more than $3.4bln in spending.

David TkachukFounder and President PROCONSULT International Inc.

IEA reports China has surpassed the USA as top energy consumer

July 20, 2010

The International Energy Agency (IEA), an oil & gas industry icon and energy advisor to many of the world's key countries, reports that China has indeed become the world's largest energy consumer, well ahead of expectations. China has been quick to deny this. While controversy swirls on this monumental change in world order other statistics maintain the status quo.

Dennis FagerstoneConsultantDennis Fagerstone

Reserves vs. Resources

June 30, 2009

Analysis of:Estimate Places Natural Gas Reserves 35% Higher | www.nytimes.com

This article correctly states that new technology has opened many areas in the US and worldwide for natural gas development. The 35% increase, however, is for resources, which is very different than reserves. These resources must be proven to be commercialy feasible for development before classification as reserves. At natural gas prices below $6/mmbtu, only 20-30 % of these resource plays in the US are commercial at present development cost levels. The quality of these unproven supplies must also be confirmed by drilling and testing. Adequate natural gas prices will be necessary to support development and conversion of this gas to reserves. 

Eric SmithProfessor and Associate DirectorA.B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University

The "Free Rider " Syndrome

September 5, 2007

Analysis of:Idaho Transmission Dispute Settled | www.renewableenergyaccess.com

The issue of access to crucial transmission infrastructure is not limited to wind power. Much the same argument can be made about pipeline access for non-conventional natural gas developments in areas of the midwest or indeed for conventional forms of merchant power generation. Ask any merchant generator about his negotiations for access to any of the regional power grids and you will likely hear the same complaint. Namely, that the existing utility should cover the expense of requisite switch gear and reliability checks, plus pay a higher price for the power being supplied. The porblem is not new and the ultimate suolution is a motivated customer base.

Eric SmithProfessor and Associate DirectorA.B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University

Wind Power Woes

July 17, 2007

Analysis of:Offshore Score since 2001: Europe 24, U.S. 0 | www.renewableenergyaccess.com

The use of onshore windpower has made remarkable strides in the US where the proper conditions exist, for example, in Texas where windy conditions are endemic and where the body politic supports initiatives of this type. In contrast, the major US effort for offshore widnpower, the Cape Wind project in Naragansett Bay, has been stymied over classic NIMBY issues.

Eric SmithProfessor and Associate DirectorA.B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University

Where does the corn come from?

July 9, 2007

Analysis of:Riding the Rails With Ethanol | www.businessweek.com

A quick look at the location of the ethanol plants will reveal that most are located in corn producing regions. That isn't particularly surprising. However, within those regions the majority of the ethanol plants are located as far from the river systems as possible. The reason for this is that corn with economic access to barge transportation will preferentially flow to marine transportation, given the generally lower freight rates.

Eric SmithProfessor and Associate DirectorA.B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University

Windpower, the good, the bad and the ugly

June 4, 2007

Analysis of:FPL Energy Files Texas Transmission Application | www.nawindpower.com

The analysis does a fine job of describing the good points of wind power. That's the "good" in the title. The "bad" is that just adding transmission capacity will not solve the real problem with wind which is that it is an opportunistic supply. In order to utilize it, every kilowatthour needs to be backed up by a redundant power source. This is not fatal, but it does hurt the economics as the only positive is the "free" fuel when the wind is blowing and their is a power deficit. That will not offset the cost of the windmills plus the cost of a 100% back up fossil system, even if the transmission lines are already available. The "ugly" is some peoples' opinion of the appearance of a field of "thousands" of 4 mw generators towering over the landscape. One other "ugly" that is being improved is that the gearboxes for these units are reported to require excessive maintenance, leading to lower overall availablity.

Philip HyattManaging PartnerPetronomics Partners Of Texas

Developing of Viscous Oil Reserves Is Worth Watching

May 24, 2007

Analysis of:BP Permits for Ugnu Test | www.petroleumnews.com

This article describes BP's recently announced project to install facilities for production of viscous oil with sand.  It has some implications for the future progress of oil sands development, as well.  This project may be among the list of future types of activities for the major oil companies after deep water exploration dwindles and they must find other uses for their financial deep pockets in the exploration and production arena.

Eric SmithProfessor and Associate DirectorA.B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University

Did the word "market" occur to anyone?

August 2, 2006

Analysis of:Green energy firm on verge of collapse due to lack of orders | news.scotsman.com

Camcal, a company at the forefront of Scotland's booming renewable energy industry, is facing closure, raising concerns about the wider health of the sector.

Eric SmithProfessor and Associate DirectorA.B. Freeman School of Business, Tulane University

Another argument for long term contracts

July 28, 2006

Analysis of:Plans for $1.3 billion Illinois Coal-to-Gas Plant Advance | www.belleville.com

Not only will relaxation of restrictions on long term contracts help coal to gas prospects, but can also support imported LNG.
 
Without the ability to sign long term contracts, US utilities will be left out in the allocation of capital constrained LNG supplies, regardless of where the physical terminals are located. 

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