Welcome to the 2007 Global Energy Outlook issue of Platts Insight. Now in our third year, we are rapidly becoming one of the industry's must-read publications when preparing for the coming year. This issue reaches more than 30,000 professionals in the energy and financial industries worldwide. The 2007 Global Energy Outlook, again, gives you critical insight from the industry's most trusted information source, Platts.

The 2007 Global Energy Outlook captures timely perspectives on eight vital energy sectors—coal, gas, oil, petrochemicals, electric, nuclear, emissions, and renewables—from Platts' distinguished editorial staff worldwide, giving you a clear understanding of industry trends that will take us into 2007 and beyond. In addition, we've added three compelling articles focused on important strategic issues facing us in 2007.

We are also very excited about this year's, "Platts Top 250 Global Energy Company Rankings." Each year Platts ranks the world's top energy companies by financial performance; identifies who's up and who's down this year; and provides a breakdown of the Top 250 by industry and region, plus provides commentary on trends and movement within the list.

Don't miss the inside story on the 8th Annual Platts Global Energy Awards. Though Platts Global Energy Awards' judges consider the nominees' financial performance, they go beyond that metric to look much deeper at a company's customer focus, community involvement, integrity, and leadership before bestowing one of these prestigious awards.

We'll be publishing additional issues of Insight throughout the year in conjunction with other major events. If you'd like to learn more about our 2007 issues, visit our web site at www.events.platts.com.

Patsy Wurster

Publisher, Platts Insight