Americas
EPA launches criminal probe into Chevron refinery emissions in California
The investigation into whether Chevron routed sulfur dioxide and other pollutants to bypass the refinery's air emissions monitoring system is the latest black eye against the company's 245,000 bpd refinery. The company is still dealing with the aftermath of an August fire at the plant.
Petrobras charged with crimes in refinery oil spill
The oil leak contaminated the Iguacu River, Guanabara Bay and swamps surrounding the refinery with oil, residues and chemicals, the prosecutor's office said. Officials were also charged with interfering with an investigation conducted by Rio de Janeiro state environmental regulators.
Foster Wheeler, Hyundai win design deal for new PdVSA Venezuela refinery
Foster Wheeler’s scope of work includes early detailed engineering design and the delivery of an open book estimate for the crude distillation unit, storage and blending unit and fuel distribution plant. The main release of the detailed engineering design work will be booked at a later date.
Total Safety joins top winners in US safety awards
Nominees had to demonstrate support from management and employee involvement in the company’s safety and health program as well as provide innovative solutions to safety challenges. Total Safety CEO David Fanta said his company was “truly honored” and gave credit to employees.
Airgas plans new Chicago industrial gases plant
The air separation unit, which will produce more than 400 tpd of oxygen, nitrogen, and argon, is expected to begin production in the fall of 2014. “The market for atmospheric gases is very strong in the Midwest and we fully expect it to continue,” said Michael Molinini, Airgas CEO.
BP may sell Texas City refinery to Marathon
BP and Marathon Petroleum have been in talks for months, a news report says, with one source claiming the 400,780 bpd refinery could be sold for up to $2.5 billion.
IEA aims to halve road transport fuel use by 2050
In two reports published Wednesday, the IEA said there was massive potential for fuel efficiency improvements to reduce demand for transport fuels by 2050, even if the number of road vehicles doubles in the same period. The reports highlight technology available or about to enter the mainstream market.
Death toll rises to 29 after Pemex gas compression plant fire in Tamaulipas
The fire broke out in the late morning at a gas-reception center located on a highway that runs from the northern city of Monterrey to the border city of Reynosa. The facility receives natural gas and condensates from the Burgos production complex for transfer to its gas and petrochemical division.
Valero restarts US ethanol plants as margins swell
Valero idled operations in Nebraska and Indiana in June, citing unprofitable returns. Each plant has the capacity to produce 120 million gal/year of ethanol. “Ethanol margins improved to the point where it became feasible to operate the plants again,” said Bill Day, Valero spokesman.
Canada looks to Asian markets amid LNG glut in US
A decade-long boom in US production of natural gas drove prices to a record low of $1.91 per million British thermal units in April, and has created more energy independence for the US, which is virtually Canada's only energy export market. Thus, Canada has set its sights on energy-hungry Asian markets.
- XRG to expand its global chemicals reach with takeover of Covestro 11/21
- U.S. FERC explores blanket authorizations for LNG projects 11/21
- thyssenkrupp Uhde selected by Dangote Fertilizer Ltd. to license four urea granulation units in Nigeria 11/21
- Indian and Chinese refineries are moving to comply with U.S. sanctions on Russia 11/21
- Dynamis Power Solutions awards Baker Hughes with significant order for gas turbine technology to support mobile power for oil and gas applications 11/21
- EIL signs MoU with Aramco Asia India Pvt. Ltd. for cooperation in various oil/gas activities 11/21
