Americas
Ford looks to expand natural gas powered autos, may clash with US chems
The head of Ford says the auto industry is focused on expanding the use of engines powered by compressed natural gas, creating a potential clash with the US chemical sector. Any major use of compressed natural gas in passenger cars could wipe out the cost advantage enjoyed by US chemical firms.
UOP, Ensyn venture wins sustainable biofuel award for conversion technology
Envergent Technologies, a joint venture of UOP and Ensyn, has been given an award in the category of sustainable biofuels for its contributions toward sustainable biopower generation facilities. Envergent’s RTP technology is currently in use in seven commercial biomass processing plants in the US and Canada.
Eastman Chemical finishes Texas 2-EH expansion
Eastman Chemical completed a previously-announced capacity expansion of its 2-ethyl hexanol (2-EH) facility in Longview, Texas. An oxo derivative, 2-EH is used in end products such as plasticizers, like Eastman 168 non-phthalate plasticizer, 2 ethylhexyl acrylate, and additives for fuels and lube oils, the company noted.
CB&I to build storage tanks for Kinder Morgan oil terminal in Canada
CB&I has been awarded a storage tank contract, valued in excess of $55 million, by Trans Mountain Pipeline, operated by a subsidiary of a Canadian subsidiary of Kinder Morgan. The project is scheduled for completion in 2013 and will go in the company’s books as a first quarter 2012 award.
EPA delays new US 'fracking' rules until 2015
Wells where natural gas is captured through the controversial "fracking" technique will have until 2015 to comply with new rules designed to reduce air pollution. The EPA said it is phasing in the rules for "fracked" natural gas wells to "ensure emissions reduction technology is broadly available."
Brazilian miner Vale, oil major Petrobras to unveil joint projects next month
Brazilian mining company Vale and oil and gas company Petrobras will announce joint projects in a month's time. Vale and Petrobras, Brazil's biggest companies by market value, last Friday signed an accord to undertake joint projects in areas including fertilizer raw materials and oil and gas.
Siemens, Shell seal gas chromatography pact
Under the agreement, Siemens will supply gas chromatographs along with related systems such as analysis cabinets and shelters to numerous Shell global energy projects.
Oiltanking to raise crude storage at Texas terminal
Oiltanking announced a $104 million expansion project to construct 3.2 million bbl of new crude oil storage capacity at its Houston terminal facility. All environmental and internal approvals are in place, and the additional capacity is expected to be placed into service in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Enterprise, Enbridge speed up Seaway oil pipeline reversal in US
The Seaway pipeline reversal designed to help ease the glut in Cushing, Okla., will begin delivering crude oil to Gulf Coast refineries earlier than expected, a spokesman for the project said. The reversal had been expected to start up by June 1, but now could begin around May 17.
Delta reportedly approves Conoco refinery deal
The Delta Air board is said to have signed off on the Trainer refinery purchase in Pennsylvania, and Delta hopes the deal with ConocoPhillips can be completed this week.
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- Canada may drop oil emissions cap as part of new climate plan 9/12
