Refining
Momentive opens new US oilfield technology plant
The oilfield technology group (OTG) of Momentive Specialty Chemicals has started up a new manufacturing plant in Batesville, Ark., to provide additional resin coated proppants to fracturing service companies and operators in the oil and gas industry.
Gulf oil, natgas production returns to normal after Tropical Storm Don
As of midday Monday, evacuations are over for platforms and rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, with nearly all shut-in oil and natural gas facilities having resumed operations, according to the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE).
Amyris partners with Kuraray for development of renewable polymers
Renewable products firm Amyris has signed a collaboration agreement with Kuraray to develop innovative polymers from Biofene, a renewable hydrocarbon building block made using Amyris technology. Under the agreement, Kuraray will use Biofene to replace petroleum-derived feedstock such as butadiene and isoprene in the production of specified classes of high-performing polymers.
PGI Energy JV chosen as subcontractor for Motiva refinery expansion in Texas
PGI Energy has formed a joint venture with SETX Instrumentation & Electrical as a subcontractor under general contractor Bechtel-Jacobs and refiner Motiva for the construction of the 660,000 bpd refinery in Port Arthur, Texas. The expansion work will make the Port Arthur refinery the largest in the US.
Tropical Storm Don shuts in 12% of Gulf oil output
Nearly 12% of offshore Gulf of Mexico oil production has been shut in as Tropical Storm Don churns toward the Texas coast, with an expected landfall late Friday near Corpus Christi. In total, 166,554 bpd in oil production has been shut in, or 11.9% of overall Gulf output, according to the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE).
Gulf oil, natural gas platforms shut in production as Tropical Storm Don targets Texas
Several oil and natural gas producers in the Gulf of Mexico began shutting in production and evacuating platforms on Thursday as Tropical Storm Don moves toward the lower Texas coast. Overall, the Gulf of Mexico accounts for 29% of US oil production and 13% of natural gas, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
US groups API, NPRA praise House passage of bill seeking Keystone XL Pipeline decision
The American Petroleum Institute (API) and National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA) each issued statements of support after the US House of Representatives passed the North American-Made Energy Act, which seeks to speed up the permitting process for the proposed Keystone XL Pipeline.
PGI Energy inks deal to trade Saudi Aramco crude
PGI Energy has entered into a one-year allocation agreement with its limited joint venture partner Intertorco Europe S.A. as the exclusive trading desk for 6 million bbl/month of Saudi light crude oil from Saudi Aramco.
Hess signs three-year contracts to explore Iraq
Energy giant Hess has signed production sharing contracts (PSCs) with the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq for the country’s Dinarta and Shakrok exploration blocks.
Rare earths sales likely to triple by 2015 - study
World demand for rare earths is forecast to expand by 7.1%/year to 180,000 metric tons by 2015, according to a new study from US industry market research firm The Freedonia Group. In dollar terms, sales are expected to more than triple from $3.0 billion in 2010 to $9.2 billion in 2015.
- Hydrogen in aviation offers potential for growth and deeper emissions reductions, new study shows 12/9
- EnerMech awarded pre-commissioning scope from Bechtel for Woodside’s Pluto LNG 2 facility 12/9
- Borouge and Borealis launch Recleo™, a global brand for cost-effective mechanically recycled solutions 12/9
- Topsoe and Carbon Neutral Fuels partner to advance e-SAF with SOEC electrolyzer technology 12/9
- IATA: SAF production growth rate is slowing 12/9
- HyOrc secures 10-yr offtake commitment for green methanol pilot 12/9

