Americas
Forecast: 1 million new NG-fueled vehicles to hit global roads by 2019
Pike Research recently issued a forecast calling for the sale of nearly 1 million new natural gas-fueled trucks and buses on roads worldwide between 2012 and 2019.
Delek buys North Texas biodiesel plant from EQM
The biodiesel facility has a production capacity of 12 million gal/year. Delek said it intends to spend approximately $3.0 million in capital expenditures during 2013 to improve the feedstock flexibility. At present, the facility produces biodiesel exclusively for Delek under a tolling agreement.
Westlake launches ethylene expansion project at Lake Charles complex
This expansion will be completed in conjunction with a planned maintenance turnaround and will increase ethane-based ethylene capacity by approximately 230-240 million lbs/year in support of the company's ethylene integration strategy, according to Westlake company officials.
US shale boom to spur manufacturing growth, but not energy independence
The US currently imports approximately half its daily consumption of 19 million bpd of oil and remains both the largest importer and consumer of oil. Conservation and the shale revolution would not eliminate upward pressure on prices from rising emerging market demand.
Methanex to temporarily shut down Chile plant amid poor gas supply
Methanex is currently operating one plant in Chile at low operating rates. In 2013, planned output from this plant represents less than 5% of the company's total production, CEO John Floren said.
Chevron sees weaker US, global refining margins
During the first two months of the fourth quarter, US refinery crude-input volumes decreased by 77,000 bpd compared to the third quarter, driven primarily by the continued shutdown of the Richmond, California refinery crude unit. International refinery crude-input volumes increased 9,000 bpd.
Tesoro to convert Hawaii refinery to import terminal
Tesoro had been trying to sell the 94,000 bpd refinery since January 2012 because of eroding profit margins. The conversion to an import facility, expected to occur in April, will allow Tesoro to cut costs related to processing fuel there while still allowing the company to distribute fuel in the state.
TransCanada chosen for Canadian pipeline project to LNG export terminal
Calgary, Alberta-based TransCanada said it expects to finalize definitive agreements for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project early this year. The proposed pipeline will transport natural gas primarily from the North Montney gas-producing region near Fort St. John, British Columbia.
Foster Wheeler acquires US biotech construction firm Yonkers Industries
The 30-year-old, US-based company specializes in the management of construction and commissioning of pharmaceutical and biotech facilities, with capabilities to also manage the full EPCm (engineering, procurement and construction management) of such facilities.
Dow restarts long-idled Louisiana olefins cracker
According to Dow, the St. Charles plant located near Hanville, La., began producing on-spec ethylene on Dec. 25, meeting previously announced goals to restart the site by the end of 2012. The St. Charles cracker, which was idled in January 2009, reportedly has a capacity of 380,000 tpy.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards say they targeted petrochemical facilities in the Gulf 4/6
- Damietta Green Ammonia completes pre-FEED for $873-MM, 150,000-tpy green ammonia facility 4/6
- EIB and Eni sign €500-MM in financing for new biorefinery in Sannazzaro de’ Burgondi 4/6
- India's Reliance buys Venezuelan oil directly from PDVSA 4/6
- Japan to boost intermediate chemical imports amid tighter naphtha supply 4/6
- Five EU countries call for windfall tax on energy companies 4/6
