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Refining

Enterprise starts new pipeline for Louisiana shale

Enterprise Products says its $1.5 billion, 270-mile Acadian Haynesville Extension pipeline officially begins commercial service on Tuesday. Featuring interconnects with 12 interstate pipeline systems and the only southerly option that avoids potential bottlenecks at the Perryville hub, the Haynesville Extension offers producers flow assurance and market choice to assist in maximizing the value of their natural gas.

BlueFire mulls plan for five new US biorefineries

BlueFire Renewables has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China Huadian Engineering Co. to finance its integrated power plant and biorefinery in Fulton, Miss., and up to 5 additional plants in the US. The deal also contemplates the formation of a joint venture to develop similar projects in China.

Air China completes first sustainable biofuel flight

Air China, in partnership with Boeing, Honeywell UOP, the Civil Aviation Administration of China, PetroChina and Pratt & Whitney, on Friday completed a demonstration flight using a sustainable biofuel derived from biomass grown in China.

Study says isobutanol-gasoline blends are superior to ethanol in small engines

In side by side performance, durability and emissions testing of small engines, gasoline blended with isobutanol performed better than blends using ethanol, according to new research from renewable chemicals and advanced biofuels firm Gevo. The results demonstrated that unlike ethanol, blends incorporating isobutanol do not cause any irregular or unstable engine or performance issues.

Petron chooses CB&I for technology on Philippines refinery upgrading project

CB&I was awarded contracts by Petron to supply sulfur recovery, tail gas treating and hydrogen plant technologies for the Bataan refinery upgrading project (RMP-2) in the Philippines. The project is scheduled for completion in 2013.

Shale plays spark Q3 rise in US oil, gas deals - PwC

The total value of US oil and gas mergers and acquisitions (M&A) during the third quarter of 2011 jumped 135% as foreign investors continued to show interest in the energy sector, especially in taking positions in shale plays and upstream-related assets, according to a new study from global consultancy PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Cereplast finalizes purchase of Italy bioplastics site

US-based bioplastics firm Cereplast has completed its purchase of a manufacturing plant in Assisi (Cannara), Italy that will serve as the hub for the company's European bioplastics production. Cereplast management said it estimates the total cost of the purchase and refurbishment of the facility will be approximately €12 million.

LUKoil begins $3bn/year investment plan for Russia downstream projects

Russia’s largest private oil company LUKoil has begun construction on a gas processing plant (GPP) included in a gas chemical facility (GCF) in Budyonnovsk, Stavropol Territory, part of the company’s plan to invest $3 billion/year in downstream operations from 2012 through 2014.

BP reaches turning point in oil output, safety - CEO

As BP announced its third-quarter financial results on Tuesday, group CEO Bob Dudley put forther more details on BP’s future direction and strategic priorities, saying the company had reached a clear turning point in oil and gas production.

Statoil extends Aker pact for Norway refinery work

Statoil has exercised its option for a three-year extension of its minor modifications frame agreement with Aker Solutions for the Mongstad refinery, located on Norway's west coast.