Houston, Texas, USA – (12 March 2012) – KBC Advanced Technologies plc (KBC), a global provider of consulting and software solutions, today announced the release of the latest in its series of Global Energy Perspectives titled Unconventional crude: Who wants it and who will get it?

Unconventional crude is the fastest growing supply of non-OPEC crude, but a variety of hurdles impact refiners’ ability to convert unconventional crude into products. Much of that supply lies in the Americas where Canada and Venezuela hold some of the world’s largest proven reserves of unconventional oil. Both countries have energy demand far below their proven supply and are thus well positioned to remain long term exporters of unconventional crude.

However, there are a significant number of barriers keeping these energy reserves from being fully exploited today. Environmental, political, economic, technical, and logistical difficulties must all be overcome. Those with well-crafted strategies will be economically rewarded for recognising a changing market landscape and making the needed adjustments to capitalise on this increasingly important energy resource.

This Perspective covers sources of supply, crude qualities, and logistics concerns and identifies refiners who can take advantage of unconventional oil today and in the future. For those not yet able to process this crude, we discuss key constraints and suggest some resolutions. Refiners, energy consumers, investors and regulators will benefit from a better understanding of the issues surrounding an increasingly important source of oil.

For more information please visit: www.kbcat.com/perspectives/Unconventional-Crude/

About KBC:
For 30 years KBC has provided independent technical expertise and engineering software to enable leading companies in the global energy business and other process industries to manage risk while maximising value from their assets. In times of economic uncertainty and increasing environmental pressure, KBC’s proprietary methodologies and innovative software guide its clients’ key strategic decisions, enabling them to prioritise and implement initiatives that maximise return on investment, and improve operational performance. KBC offers Strategic and Market, Capital Investment, Operating, Organisational, and Environmental Solutions.

Please click here to download a pdf copy of this release.