The Bakken's Seemingly Uncontrollable Problem Could Be a Boon for Capstone Turbine

By Tyler Crowe – Mar 27, 2014 at 10:15AM

NYSE: GE

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With fears that North Dakota won't be able to control natural gas flaring for years to come, Capstone Turbine & GE could step in and fill the gap

Oil producers in the Bakken Shale of North Dakota have a major problem on their hands: They can't seem to get flaring under control despite their best efforts. There are some plans in the works that could help monetize the gas and hopefully bring flaring down from its recent high of 45% of all gas produced, but they aren't expected to come online for more than three years.

That is exactly why Capstone Turbine (CPST) and General Electric (GE -1.75%) should focus some attention to this region; they both have options that could solve this problem much faster.

Also, with both companies having solid ties in the region -- Capstone with leading driller Hess (HES 0.65%) and GE with Statoil (EQNR -0.07%)-- there are some solid relationships to build out a footprint there. Find out why North Dakota gas flaring is still running rampant and why Capstone's microturbines and GE's CNG in a Box stations could be a quick fix solution.

Tyler Crowe has no position in any stocks mentioned.You can follow him at Fool.com under the handle TMFDirtyBird, on Google +, or on Twitter @TylerCroweFool.

The Motley Fool recommends Statoil (ADR) and owns shares of General Electric. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.