Refining
Imperial Oil starts up Kearl oil sands production
Located in the Athabasca region of northeastern Alberta, production from Kearl's initial development is expected to reach daily production of 110,000 bbl by late this year. Expansion will add another 110,000 bpd by late 2015, and the project has the potential to produce a capacity of 345,000 bpd by 2020.
TransCanada delays planned Keystone XL start
The company pushed back the in-service date for its proposed Keystone XL pipeline to the second half of 2015 as it awaits US government approval for the controversial project. The US State Department is still reviewing the project, which is opposed by environmental groups.
Neste Oil to upgrade heaters at Porvoo refinery
As part of the investment, fired heaters at the refinery's crude distillation unit will be replaced with new-generation heaters, which Neste says will help ensure more consistent, incident-free operations at the site and yield annual energy savings worth an estimated €4 million.
Chevron begins restart of Richmond refinery CDU
The crude distillation unit (CDU) was shuttered last Aug. 6 when a leak in associated piping caused a major fire. Other plants at the refinery have been operating at reduced rates since then.
Tesoro, Savage to build crude-by-rail shipping yard for US West Coast refiners
With access to rail and existing marine infrastructure, the Port of Vancouver is uniquely positioned to serve as a hub for the distribution of North American crude oil to West Coast refining centers, according to the companies. The deal is subject to approval by regulatory agencies and port commissioners.
Shell, ONGC discuss Indian oil, gas opportunities
Executives at ONGC said they were in the process of agreeing to a long-term alliance with Shell to jointly explore oil and gas production. In India, Shell currently has a small retail presence and is involved in developing a liquefied natural gas import and regasification terminal at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh.
China successfully tests first flight using Sinopec's new aviation biofuel
A China Eastern Airlines Corp. passenger airplane took off from an airport in Shanghai and traveled for about 90 minutes using the fuel, which is made from palm oil and restaurant oil, Sinopec said in a news release. Sinopec added that the fuel was certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
Survey finds majority support Keystone XL pipeline
Nearly 75% of Americans and 68% of Canadians said they support or somewhat support the project, which would carry heavy crude from the Alberta oil sands to the US Gulf for refining. "Energy security, particularly in the US, is driving views on energy issues," said Nik Nanos, president of Nanos Research.
Brazil announces stimulus package for ethanol, petrochemical producers
The Brazilian government is hoping that lower taxes on the country's sugarcane ethanol and petrochemical industries will help boost the competitiveness of exports.
Global diesel prices likely to weaken in 2014 with startup of Jubail refinery
In product markets, the new refinery will add to the supply of clean diesel in Saudi Arabia and Europe -- markets typically supplied by India. Since Indian refiners export diesel to so many markets, the appearance of this competing supply source may have bearish consequences for global diesel prices.
- 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
