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Europe

Global chemical M&A activity jumps sharply in Q1

Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the global chemicals industry jumped significantly in the first quarter of 2011 when compared to the same period of 2010, according to a study from advisory firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

IEA warns that high oil prices are hurting economy, seeks additional supply for refiners

The governing board of the International Energy Agency (IEA) says it has serious concerns that that the rise in oil prices is constraining the global economic recovery. In a statement issued on Thursday, the board said there was a “clear, urgent need for additional supplies on a more competitive basis to be made available to refiners to prevent a further tightening of the market”, particularly given the seasonal increase in demand from May to August.

BASF awards Technip with umbrella contract for chemical project work

Germany-based chemical major BASF awarded Technip with an umbrella contract for engineering services on its chemical and petrochemical projects. Both companies are contemplating a long-term partnership, they said, which would provide BASF access to the resources of Technip for its capital investments notably in Europe, but also in other regions.

Eni starts slurry technology project at Italy refinery

Italian oil and gas major Eni started work on applying Eni Slurry Technology (EST) at its Sannazzaro de' Burgondi refinery, located near Pavia in northern Italy.

IEA lowers estimate for 2011 oil demand growth

The International Energy Agency (IEA) lowered its projection for global oil demand growth in 2011, falling by 190,000 bpd, or 0.2%, from an earlier estimate.

Total joins ExxonMobil to explore Poland shale gas

US-based ExxonMobil and French oil major Total signed an agreement to explore shale gas in the Chelm and Werbkowice areas in Poland.

Majority of energy execs see crude exceeding $120/bbl in 2011 - survey

Energy executives expect continued volatility in the price oil for the remainder of the year, with 64% predicting crude prices to exceed $120/bbl in 2011, according to a new survey.

Statoil withdraws from ownership in Swiss gas-to-liquids licensing venture

Statoil will withdraw from ownership and management roles with gas-to-liquids venture company GTL.F1, saying it does not see licensing of GTL technology as part of its core business.

BP adds Rosneft as partner in German refining JV

BP has added Rosneft as its new partner in its German refining joint venture, Ruhr Oel GmbH (ROG).

BP/Davy select EPC firms CB&I, Jacobs and Shaw for Fischer Tropsch deployment

BP and Davy Process Technology announced collaborations with three EPC contractors to promote the commercialization of the BP/Davy Fischer Tropsch process.