Middle East
SABIC plans new US ethane cracker, possibly more
Mohammed Al-Mady, CEO of SABIC, said the company is in talks with partners to invest in one or perhaps two projects. The plans for a new ethylene plant are based on an abundance of cheap ethane feedstock derived from the ongoing US shale boom. The company did not disclose a specific location.
Eni crude business in Iran may lead to US sanctions
Eni's daily output in Iran averaged 3,000 bbl of oil equivalent in 2012, representing less than 1% of the company's total production. Eni said its refining and marketing division bought 498,000 metric tons of Iranian crude in 2012, paying the country's state oil company $396 million.
Saudi downplays shale boom outside US, Canada
The extra supply is not a competitive threat because it costs more to produce than oil in most of OPEC's member countries, a Saudi official said. "There are many difficulties that face the production activities of shale oil... most importantly, the high production cost which amounts to about $70 to $80/bbl."
EMGC '13: Gas infrastructure development critical for Eastern Mediterranean
Day 2 of EMGC’s technical program addressed regional infrastructure developments in the morning, while the afternoon speakers focused on resource development in Cyprus and Israel.
Algeria to double refining capacity within five years
Algeria's state-run energy group, Sonatrach, has said it plans to invest $80 billion in oil and natural gas projects until 2016 as it seeks to expand the gas resource base, boost refining and petrochemical capacity and curb dependence on imported fuel. The nation produced 1.16 million bpd of oil last month.
EMGC '13: Gas gurus discuss resource potential of Eastern Mediterranean
During EMGC’s Tuesday technical program, executives from operating, service and technology companies shared insight into development opportunities and their regional implications.
Shale energy resources driving resurgence for ethylene industry
The abundant supply of North American shale energy resources is proving to be not only a boon for exploration and production (E&P) companies and energy consumers, but it is also changing the profitabi..
North American olefin producers riding the shale gas wave
With the prospect of abundant low-cost ethane, several producers have announced intentions to build new ethylene capacity.
High-pressure polyethylene: Reemergence as a specialty chemical or not?
The analysis results indicate that, while investment capital for new plants favors LLDPE, plant profitability—which is a function of product slate (revenue) and cost—is, in many cases, higher for LDPE plants.
HPI Focus: New vs. debottlenecking projects
As most owners do not have adequately skilled engineering teams to study these scenarios, engaging an experienced, qualified engineering contractor to support the conceptual study is often warranted.
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