COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PETROLEUM INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN SOUTH ASIA AND THE US USING ADVANCED GAS TURBINE ENGINE TECHNOLOGIES FOR CROSS INTEGRATION

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of petroleum infrastructure projects in South Asia and the United States, with a focus on the role of advanced gas turbine engine technologies in enabling effective cross integration between fuel supply systems and power generation assets. The research followed a systematic methodology to ensure transparency and rigor, drawing upon a comprehensive body of 92 peer-reviewed articles and technical reports, collectively cited over 1,850 times, to evaluate infrastructure maturity, technological deployment, governance structures, operational resilience, and environmental performance across both regions. The findings highlight stark contrasts: the United States demonstrates a highly developed and interconnected petroleum infrastructure anchored by extensive pipelines, underground storage, LNG export facilities, and a diverse mix of heavy-duty and aeroderivative turbines optimized for flexible grid participation. South Asia, in contrast, exhibits a more fragmented infrastructure profile characterized by concentrated LNG terminals, limited cross-border pipelines, and heavy reliance on baseload combined-cycle units that often face challenges linked to fuel quality variability, maintenance dependence, and climatic vulnerabilities. Environmental and safety standards also diverge significantly, with the U.S. operating under stringent regulatory regimes and continuous monitoring systems, while South Asia faces weaker enforcement capacity and greater exposure to natural hazards. Governance and finance emerge as pivotal factors, as U.S. projects benefit from mature markets and diversified capital flows, whereas South Asian projects remain heavily reliant on donor financing and sovereign guarantees. The study concludes that cross integration is not solely a technical challenge but one shaped by infrastructure maturity, institutional strength, and environmental resilience. By synthesizing insights from a broad literature base, this research provides an integrated framework for understanding the systemic differences between South Asia and the United States and underscores the need for region-specific strategies to optimize petroleum-to-turbine integration.