The European hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) is a complex set of refineries and petrochemical facilities distributed among several nations, all of which are critical to the international trading and economy of the EU.
The downstream industry is halfway through 2015 and the second decade of the new millennium. Great changes have occurred over the past 12 months and five years. Change is not necessarily negative; in fact, it can be a welcome event.
The petrochemical industry is embracing more “change” that is largely due to the recent drop in crude oil prices.
The North American (NA) petrochemical industry is experiencing a renaissance of new project announcements and manufacturing expansions. This wave of activity is supported by abundant, low-cost natural gas supplies. In particular, many ethylene projects are under various stages of development.
The outlook is optimistic for downstream companies. Independent refiners are positive on present and future demand for transportation fuels.
“Don’t panic” is probably the best advice for the downstream industry regarding oil prices. The upstream fully recognizes the present and short-term conditions for its business.
Alternative energy is a point-of-reference term. Natural gas is an alternative energy resource for transportation fuels. As more natural gas resources are developed, natural gas is displacing coal as ..
According to Hydrocarbon Processing’s Construction Boxscore Database, over $1.143 trillion in announced global projects are at various stages of development. Using the Boxscore Database, HP editors identified 12 projects that will have the highest impact to the global or regional downstream industry. HP readers voted online to select the top project in each category.
In 2015, the HPI’s capital, maintenance and operating budgets are expected to exceed $324 B. Global announced project spending continues to surge to satisfy increasing demand for petroleum products.