Environment & Safety Gas Processing/LNG Maintenance & Reliability Petrochemicals Process Control Process Optimization Project Management Refining

Nichols, Lee

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff, Houston, Texas

HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: Russian gas: The end of a monopoly and the beginning of a new era

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

December 2013 saw the repeal of a 2006 law establishing Gazprom as the sole exporter of Russian gas. The amendment is part of Russia’s plan to double LNG exports by 2020 and grab crucial LNG market share in the Asia-Pacific region. However, Russia is not without stiff competition.

HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: Iraq’s billion-dollar road to energy stability

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

Much of Iraq’s future prosperity hinges on the success of its oil and gas sector. Petroleum already accounts for over 90% of the country’s energy needs, with a small percentage being supplie..

HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: Canadian LNG: The race to Asia

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

Canada is the world’s third-largest producer of natural gas, with a gross annual output of 6.4 trillion cubic feet. The vast majority of Canada’s natural gas production derives from conventi..

HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: Etileno XXI—The first step in privatizing Mexican petrochemicals?

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

Mexico is constructing the first major private-sector petrochemical project in 20 years. Etileno (Ethylene) XXI is a $3.2 billion (B) greenfield petrochemical complex being built in Nanchital near Coa..

HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: Brazil plans major refinery expansions

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

Brazil is the largest producer of liquid fuels in South America. However, the country still lacks the installed refining capacity to meet domestic demand for transportation fuels. For this reason, Brazil has a number of refining projects planned and underway.

HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: Outlook for major revamp projects—Part 2

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

Worldwide, refiners are investing billions in upgrading and modernizing projects. These efforts are focused on:Increasing flexibility to process heavier, sourer crudesImproving energy efficiencyMeetin..

HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: Outlook for major revamp projects—Part 1

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

Worldwide, refiners are investing billions in upgrading and modernization projects. These efforts are focused on:Increasing flexibility to process heavier, sourer crudesImproving energy efficiencyMeet..

HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: India’s refining capacity expands to satisfy surging demand

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

Both public and private refiners are planning or have already commenced major expansion and upgrade projects, with several working to develop new grassroots facilities.

HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: Jurong Island—Asia’s preemptive LNG trading hub?

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

In the South Pacific, the artificial island of Jurong Island is the heart of Singapore’s energy and chemicals industry. It houses over 100 leading global petroleum, petrochemicals and specialty c..

HP Boxscore Construction Analysis: Ethylene in evolution: 50 years of changing markets and economics

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Nichols, Lee

Ethylene is the key building block for the petrochemical industry. This olefin supports 70% of petrochemical industry production and is used to manufacture a wide variety of products for industrial an..