GLG News by Oil and Gas Refining Experts (North America)

Heavy Duty diesel truck engines must meet stringent EPA NOx emissions standards in 2010.  Solutions include SCR catalysts and/or high EGR rates.  The tradeoffs in performance and fuel economy may define market share among the major engine makers.

Cheaper crude oil means less attractive returns for alternative fuels producers.  Coupled with collapsing capital and credit markets further expansion of renewable fuels capacity is in doubt.

Can success in North American motorsports venues increase awareness and demand for advanced European diesel vehicles? 

    The Dakota Minnesota & Eastern (DM&E) Railroad was recently acquired by the Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway.  The DM&E has for years been proposing an extension to the Wyoming Powder River Basin coal reserves.  This project, if commenced, would upgrade an...

Energy from Diesel fuel is a key agent of growth in developing countries.  Increased demand has seen diesel outpace gasoline as prices hit record highs for both fuels.  US refinery capacity must be rebalanced to help correct price disparity for this key fuel.

Diesel cars dominate European markets but are scarce in the US.  As fuel economy continues to drive US consumer choices diesel options will become more significant.  Regulatory issues may also favor diesels as US standards tighten.

Fleet operators are continuously seeking optimum solutions to equipment cost and fuel economy.  Various alternative fuels and hybrid drive systems are being evaluated prior to major fleet-wide commitments.   Despite the head start for electric drive-battery hybrids there are other options...

The push for alternative energy has increased competition between planted crop acreage for food vs. biofuel production.  As more regions of the world struggle with tight food supplies the UN has questioned the wisdom of increased biofuel production.

California seeks to force even the smallest truck fleets to invest in expensive upgrades to reduce diesel emissions.  These costs will be passed on as higher freight charges and ultimately as more expensive consumer goods.  Some fleets may not be able to bear the financial burden of the up-front...

Suzlon of India, the number five wind turbine manufacturer has run into serious technical troubles: a 140 foot long turbine blade just now broke of a wind tower in Illinois, while Suzlon is in the process to replace 1,251 turbine blades due to blade cracks in their US wind turbine fleet. ...