Energy Infrastructure poised to grow next year, Fitch says

Dec 21, 2010 | 10:04 AM | Corinna Petry

Natural gas demand is expected to be flat next year compared with 2010, but production trends will drive energy infrastructure development, fed by advancements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, Fitch Ratings Services said in an outlook report on natural gas.

These advancements will promote further shale development and there will be a shift to onshore production in the wake of limited new permitting in the Gulf of Mexico, Fitch said. The need to develop infrastructure will pull demand for steel pipe and tubing.

Noting that shale development is "transforming" the U.S. pipeline sectors, Fitch said it is maintaining a stable outlook for 2011 based on an "operating environment that remains largely favorable."....





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