Americas
Fluor to design US biofuels demonstration plant
Fluor was awarded an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCm) contract by Joule Unlimited to design and build a biofuels demonstration facility in New Mexico. The technology will use sunlight to convert proprietary organisms and carbon dioxide into liquid hydrocarbons and ethanol.
GTC strikes deal with ConocoPhillips to license sulfur recovery technology
Process technology licensor GTC Technology reached a global agreement with ConocoPhillips for its selective partial oxidation of sulfur (SPOC) technology for sulfur recovery. GTC says its SPOC technology is the most significant innovation in the “modified Claus” technology space in the last 30 years.
Keystone XL timeline slips to early 2015
TransCanada says it is still waiting for answers from the US government about the process to refile its application for the controversial pipeline.
SABIC, Sinopec in talks with Trinidad to build $5.3bn methanol complex
SABIC and Sinopec have agreed to start negotiations with Trinidad and Tobago to possibly build a $5.3 billion methanol complex in that country. Last month Sabic signed a protocol of cooperation with Sinopec to explore new business opportunities.
Air Liquide starts up new US air separation unit
Air Liquide said on Monday that it started up a new air separation unit (ASU) at its facility in Geismar, La., seeking to increase its supply of nitrogen, oxygen and argon to customers in industries such as refining, natural gas and chemicals.
Enterprise raises oil storage capacity at proposed Houston crude terminal
Enterprise Products has purchased a 37-acre tract of land adjacent to its Enterprise Crude Houston (ECHO) crude oil terminal, which is currently under construction, in southeast Harris County, Texas. The ECHO facility is expected to begin service in the second quarter of 2012.
Halliburton, Petronas form partnership to develop global shale resources
Halliburton and PETRONAS Carigali have signed an agreement for the evaluation and development of global shale resources, the companies said on Friday. They plan to set up a shale technical center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which is where the deal was signed.
Copano to expand Eagle Ford shale pipeline in US
Copano Energy says it will extend its wholly-owned 96-mile, 24-inch DK Pipeline in the Eagle Ford Shale play by adding approximately 65 miles of 24-inch pipeline southwest into McMullen County, Texas. The extension is expected to begin service in the first half of 2013 and cost approximately $120 million.
IEA cuts 2012 outlook for global oil demand growth, cites weaker economy
The IEA lowered its estimate for global oil demand growth in 2012 to 800,000 bpd, compared to its previous forecast of 1.1 million bpd amid weaker economic predictions. Global GDP growth is revised down to 3.3% for 2012, from the 4.0% level assumed since September, the agency noted.
Global paints, coatings demand to rise 5.4%/year through 2015 - study
Global demand for paints and coatings is forecast to rise 5.4%/year to 45.6 million metric tons in 2015, according to a new study. The Asia/Pacific region will remain the leading consumer of paint and coatings through 2015, and will also see the most rapid gains, according to the report.

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