Americas
Economic concerns cloud 2012 energy outlook for North America - report
The North American energy industry faces a generally stable operating environment although ongoing sovereign and economic concerns are risks in 2012. The single biggest threat to the crude oil market remains a decrease in overall global demand, due to the risks of potential recession in the US and/or Europe and a decline in China's economy.
TransCanada nets more commitments to proposed Keystone XL extension
TransCanada says it has received additional binding commitments in support the Keystone XL pipeline following the successful conclusion of its Keystone Houston lateral open season. The Keystone pipeline system has now secured long-term firm contracts in excess of 1.1 million bpd, the company said.
Benefits of shale outweigh risks - US survey
In new poll, Americans say they believe tapping shale gas formations offers greater rewards than it does risks, including those associated with hydraulic fracturing.
North America energy infrastructure outlook holds stable for 2012 - report
The stable outlook is supported by largely contracted revenue streams mitigating price and volume risk, including continuing strong support for renewable power projects through renewable portfolio standards.
Coca-Cola plans to have 100% plant-based bottle
Coca-Cola expects to have a plastic bottle made entirely from plant-based materials ready for commercial use in the next few years as it looks to reduce its reliance on petroleum used in traditional plastic bottles. Coca-Cola believes it can have the plant-based bottle developed by 2015 so that, by 2020, all of its plastic bottles can be using the new material.
Chevron committed to staying in Brazil despite spill
Chevron is "committed" to stay in Brazil for the long term and hopes to "move ahead" after an oil spill in early November that led to intense scrutiny of the oil company from local authorities and regulators. Chevron says it is very proud of its response on the Nov. 7 oil spill because the company's sweeping reaction resulted in no environmental impact from the spill.
Chevron Phillips Chemical plans new Texas ethane cracker for 2017
The company will build a world-scale cracker at its existing Cedar Bayou complex as well as two nearby polyethylene units.
Linde to build air separation plant in Arkansas
Linde says it will build a new air separation plant in Lewisville, Arkansas. The new 470 ton-per-day plant will produce liquid nitrogen and oxygen to meet rapidly growing demand in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, according to the company.
BP oil spill report calls for single policing agency
A single governmental agency should be used to insure offshore drilling safety in order to avoid disasters like the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico, a national research group said Wednesday. The recommendation could end up flying in the face of what the industry thinks it needs to regulate itself, though officials from the American Petroleum Institute had yet to comment directly on the suggestion.
US shale resources likely to spark manufacturing renaissance through 2025 - PwC
The abundance of shale gas resources could lead a US manufacturing renaissance with economic benefits that include cost savings, greater investments to expand manufacturing facilities and increased levels of employment, according to a new report.
- Argentina raises biofuel prices for domestic market 7/14
- Technip Energies' develops low-emission furnace design to reduce the carbon footprint of ethylene production 7/14
- Biofuel demand to soak up more than half of U.S. soyoil production next year, USDA says 7/14
- Russia's June seaborne oil product exports down 3.4% m/m 7/14
- Serbia seeks fifth U.S. sanctions waiver for Russian-owned oil firm NIS 7/14
- EIA: U.S. hydrocarbon production supported by export growth in long-term projections 7/14
