Oil 101: Introduction to Oil and Gas - Midstream

Oil 101: Introduction to Oil and Gas - Midstream What is Midstream? This Midstream content is derived from our Oil 101 Midstream ebook and can be found in our oil and gas learning community. This Midstream module includes the following sections (use the links below for quick access): Midstream Business Characteristics Midstream Participants Processing – The Next Step in Adding Value Transportation Storage Midstream - As its name implies, the midstream segment encompasses facilities and processes that sit between the upstream and downstream segments. Activities can include processing, storage and transportation of crude oil and natural gas. In most cases, oil and gas reserves are not located in the same geographic location as refining assets and major consumption regions. Transportation is a big part of midstream activities and can include using pipelines, trucking fleets, tanker ships, and rail cars. The midstream segment is separated from upstream and downstream in most oil companies because it is considered a low risk, regulated type of business. It does not fit the risk profile or asset complexity of the other segments of the oil and gas industry. Success in the midstream segment depends on many external forces including: -Upstream operations continuous delivery of reserves -Refinery margins that encourage refined product production -Health of the downstream, natural gas, and petrochemical industry markets. -Natural gas price levels that impact the attractiveness of NGL’s as feedstock -Political sentiment for pipeline expansion and “not in my backyard” hurdles While the midstream gathering and processing sector is relatively free of commercial regulation, the movement of gas by interstate pipelines and subsequent state level distribution activities are highly regulated in the US by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).Read less