Europe
Perspectives on the 2012 energy industry
Here are several thoughts on how companies can adapt to—and profit from—the uncertain environment
UK strike threat boosts Europe oil product demand
Surging retail fuel sales in the UK amid a threat of a tanker drivers strike are supporting demand in Europe's diesel and gasoline markets. The higher premiums often provide a temporary boost to the struggling European refining sector, as they translate into higher profit margins.
Pakistan eyes Russian funding for Iran gas pipeline
Pakistan says it will seek Russian funding for a multi-billion dollar gas pipeline from Iran amid Chinese reluctance to invest in the project over fears it could be hit by sanctions. The Pakistan team will hold talks with relevant officials and different companies, including Russian gas giant Gazprom.
Airline industry executives call on governments to promote biofuels use
The global airline industry wants stronger government efforts to promote using biofuels, with new regulations and economic incentives for its production. Industry executives said the legislative framework, the still-high costs of biofuels and the availability of raw materials are the main challenges.
Cynar picks Rockwell Automation to design, build UK waste-to-fuel plant
Waste-to-energy technology company Cynar has awarded an $11 million contract to Rockwell Automation to design and build a new end-of-life, plastic-to-fuel conversion plant in Bristol, UK. Cynar says it has developed a technology that converts end-of-life plastics into fuel.
Technip awarded top Europe employer certification
Technip was awarded this week with the Top Employer Europe 2012 certifification. To get certification, organizations were required to be successfully achieving the criteria set in a minimum of five European countries. Technip said it was successfully certified as a Top Employer in nine countries.
France in talks with IEA over oil stocks release
The French government is in consultation with the IEA on whether to release oil stocks in moves to stem high crude prices. France supports a proposal to tap reserves and is also trying to convince producer nations to put more oil on the market to help combat speculation pushing prices higher.
IEA data show high oil costs hurting EU consumers
Early data show that high oil prices in Europe have already started to eat into consumer spending in other areas and could push the region back into recession, says the chief economist of the IEA, Fatih Birol. Energy costs could eat up almost double their typical share of Europe's income this year.
Alfa Laval to supply plate heat exchangers for Brazil oil company
Sweden-based Alfa Laval has won a plate heat exchanger order from a major oil company in Brazil. The Alfa Laval plate heat exchangers will be installed at offshore production platforms where they will be used for heat recovery in the main separation process, the company said.
Global refining catalyst market driven by growth in hydroprocessing
The market improvement is led by demand for cleaner fuels, increasing use of heavier and dirtier feedstocks and additions to refining capacity, a new study says.
- UPM unlocks new bio-based markets as Leuna biorefinery produces its first commercial product 12/19
- Stamicarbon awarded technology licensing contract for new urea plant in Eastern China 12/19
- Ford takes $19.5-B writedown on EV business 12/19
- Babcock & Wilcox awarded $40-MM contract for advanced wet gas scrubbing technology at Canadian petroleum refinery 12/19
- Aarti Industries secures methanol and toluene feedstock supply through multiple long-term contracts 12/19
- bp picks first outsider CEO Meg O'Neill after abrupt Auchincloss exit 12/19
