Environment & Safety
EU sees no need for new shale gas regulations
There is no need for new legislation to regulate shale gas exploration in the European Union, according to a study that proposed the bloc adopt a low profile on what is a controversial issue among its member countries. Exploratory drilling is taking place at more than 20 sites in the EU, half of which are in Poland.
Petrobras reports oil leak at Osorio tanker terminal
The transportation arm of Brazilian state energy company Petrobras reported an oil leak at its Osorio terminal in Rio Grande do Sul state. Transpetro said that it immediately deployed personnel and equipment to contain and remove the spill.
US oil groups ask EPA to cut cellulosic biofuel rule
The NPRA, API and Western States Petroleum Association jointly filed a petition Friday requesting that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waive the 2011 cellulosic biofuel volume mandate in its entirety. The groups claim no cellulosic biofuel was actually produced last year.
Albemarle launches electronic materials business
US specialty chemicals producer Albemarle has officially announced the formation of its Electronic Materials business unit. The business has already begun selling commercial quantities of ultra high purity trimethyl gallium (TMG) and triethylgallium (TEG) under its new PureGrowth brand name.
Keystone XL ruling shows need to diversify energy exports - Canada minister
Obama's decision to deny TransCanada a permit for Keystone XL underlines the need for Canada to diversify its energy exports, with particular focus on China, the official says.
BP unveils global energy outlook through 2030, boosts demand estimate
Global energy demand will continue to grow over the next 20 years, albeit at a slowing annual rate, fueled by economic and population growth in non-OECD countries, BP said in its Energy Outlook 2030 report. The demand projection is up 1.2% from the year-earlier estimate.
TransCanada will reapply for Keystone XL permit
TransCanada said late Wednesday that it had received the US Department of State's decision that the Presidential Permit for its proposed Keystone XL pipeline has been denied. However, the company will reapply for a permit and hopes to start up pipeline service as soon as 2014.
Statoil temporarily shuts down Hammerfest LNG production after leak
Norwegian energy company Statoil said late Thursday that it temporarily shut down production Wednesday at its liquefied natural gas plant at Melkoya outside Hammerfest, Norway. Statoil's share of production from the plant totals 48,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day of LNG.
Enbridge probes possible US Gulf gas pipeline leak
Enbridge is investigating the report of a small natural gas leak in the West Cameron Block 275, located 66 miles off the coast of Louisiana in the US Gulf of Mexico. A three-foot diameter patch of bubbles has been spotted on the surface of the water in the vicinity of the Stingray natural gas pipeline.
ExxonMobil reports emissions, flaring at Beaumont refinery in Texas
ExxonMobil on Monday said operations at its oil refinery in Beaumont, Texas, had returned to normal following a gas compressor problem the day before. The Beaumont refinery has a capacity of 344,000 bpd.
- CNOOC completes construction on $2.9-B, 1.8-MMtpy integrated complex in east China 8/22
- bp's Whiting refinery (U.S.) continues to flare days after severe thunderstorm 8/22
- Bachmann introduces latest version M-Target for Simulink 8/22
- U.S. to rule on biofuel waivers, but big oil refiners may need to wait 8/22
- Chinese independent refiner Hongrun buys Canadian, Brazilian crude 8/22
- Ukrainian attack suspends Russian oil flows to Hungary, Slovakia 8/22
