Americas
Valero CEO believes refining capacity still too much in US, western Europe
"We believe there's still too much refining capacity in the US and western Europe," Valero CEO Bill Klesse said during a conference call with investors. "Some things die hard." High unemployment and higher vehicle fuel efficiency have tamped down on fuel sales on both sides of the Atlantic.
CPChem picks Sweeny site for new US PE plants, awards engineering to Jacobs
The two new polyethylene facilities on the Texas Gulf coast will each have a capacity of 500,000 tpy and use Chevron Phillips Chemical’s proprietary loop slurry technology. A front-end engineering and design (FEED) agreement was reached with Jacobs to design the polyethylene facilities.
Energy Transfer buys US refiner Sunoco for $5.3bn
Energy Transfer Partners agreed to acquire independent refiner Sunoco in a $5.3 billion deal that would greatly expand the reach of its pipeline system but could also saddle the company with aging refineries. Energy Transfer will also gain Sunoco's relatively successful chain of 4,900 gasoline stations.
Delta Air to buy Conoco refinery in Pennsylvania
Delta Air Lines will soon own the 185,000 bpd Trainer refinery complex near Philadelphia while entering into strategic sourcing and marketing deals with BP and Phillips 66.
Sempra taps Foster Wheeler for engineering work on Cameron LNG export site
Work scope for the Cameron LNG liquefaction site of Sempra Energy includes technical assistance for project development and execution of front-end engineering.
BG to sell 40% stake in Chile LNG plant to Enagas
UK-based BG Group agreed to sell its 40% equity interest in the GNL Quintero (GNLQ) liquefied natural gas terminal to Spain-based Enagas. The agreements reached apply to BG Group's shareholding in GNLQ - the owner and operator of the 2.5 million tpy regasification terminal in Quintero, Chile.
Kinder Morgan to buy out KKR in US natural gas JV
Natural gas pipeline operator Kinder Morgan Energy Partners L said it is taking full ownership of a natural gas joint venture by buying the 50% interest it doesn't already own from KKR & Co. for $300 million in KMP shares. The deal is expected to close by the end of May.
Motiva completes Port Arthur refinery expansion, becomes largest in US
The new 325,000 bpd crude unit that started processing is combining with existing units to raise capacity to 600,000 bpd, making the Texas refinery the largest in the US.
Sierra Club seeks to block Dominion LNG export project in Maryland
The environmental group Sierra Club is threatening to derail Dominion's plans for a natural gas export facility in Cove Point, Md., saying it struck an agreement with the company years ago that precludes the construction. Dominion CEO Tom Farrell said the company remains confident it will build the facility.
PdVSA to expand El Palito refinery via Japan loans
The Venezuelan government has secured $1 billion in loans from a consortium of Japanese companies, led by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, most of which will go toward expanding the South American country's El Palito refinery. Venezuela has aimed to increase shipments to Asian markets.
- Allied Biofuels signs PIA with Uzbekistan to advance $6-B biofuels refinery project 4/10
- Nufarm strengthens strategic collaboration to support long term growth in biofuels production 4/10
- Pertamina and CRecTech sign MoU to explore pilot biogas-to-biomethanol facility in SEZ, Indonesia 4/10
- Shell Chemicals and Syensqo partner to deliver low-carbon ethylene oxide solutions 4/10
- HAMR Energy’s nationally significant fuel projects selected for Australian Government’s Investor Front Door Pilot 4/10
- HD Hyundai Heavy Industries builds world's first ammonia-powered vessel 4/10

