Publisher's Note

Welcome to the 2008 Global Energy Outlook issue of Platts Insight. Now in its fourth year, Platts' annual energy outlook has become one of the industry's must-read publications for preparing for the future. This issue reaches more than 30,000 industry professionals and financiers world-wide. The 2008 Global Energy Outlook again gives you critical insight from the industry's most trusted information source, Platts.

The 2008 Global Energy Outlook captures timely perspectives on eight vital energy sectors—coal, gas, oil, petrochemicals, electric, nuclear, emissions trading and renewables—from Platts' distinguished editorial staff worldwide. In addition this year, we have a fresh look at the credit impact of climate change by Swami Venkataraman of Standard and Poor's, also a McGraw-Hill company.

Be sure to check out the new 50 Fastest-Growing companies in the 2007 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 9th 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 2008 issues, visit our web site at www.events.platts.com.

Patsy Wurster

Publisher, Platts Insight

Patsy Wurster