Americas
KBR named engineering partner by CRI for catalytic thermochemical technology
Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide basic engineering services for broad, full scale commercial deployment of IH2 units. IH2 technology is a cost-effective catalytic thermo-chemical process to produce liquid transportation fuels from renewable resources.
M&G picks Sinopec to build Texas PET, PTA plants
The completion of construction of the plants, including the time required to obtain necessary permits, is expected to occur within 36 months. M&G's engineering arms will provide critical equipment and services on a subcontracting basis to turnkey contractor Sinopec Engineering.
US appeals court overturns key portion of EPA's renewable fuels mandate
The decision means the EPA will have to be more cautious in setting future requirements for buying advanced renewable fuels, including a mandate for this year that is still pending. In previous years, developers relied on the EPA's mandate to show investors there will be a market for their product.
Chesapeake to supply Methanex gas in Louisiana
Commencement of natural gas deliveries will coincide with the startup of the plant, which is expected by the end of 2014. This contract will enhance Methanex's ability to reliably supply quality product to its US customers for at least the next 10 years, according to top company officials.
BP awards turnaround management deal to KBR at Alabama aromatics site
The contract is valued at $3.5 million and underscores KBR’s ability to mobilize skilled resources and execute highly complex, time-sensitive projects, according to the companies. The plant uses paraxylene to manufacture plastic bottles, polyester material and new generation polyesters and resins.
Alfa Laval to give heat exchangers to US LNG plant
The Alfa Laval compact heat exchangers will be used in a new, major shale gas processing facility in the US where they will recover and reuse heat in the gas cleaning process, thereby resulting in an energy-efficient process. The name and specific location of the client were not disclosed.
Jacobs to manage SoCalGas pipeline safety project
Phase 1A of the Southern California company's pipeline safety enhancement program consists of pressure testing 360 miles of existing pipelines; replacing 246 miles of the 3,750 mile pipeline system; and upgrading or replacing 173 mainline valves. The contract value was not disclosed.
US could become world's biggest liquid fuels producer by 2014
Total US production of liquid fuels could equal or surpass Saudi Arabia as early as next year, but crude oil output will still remain short, according to an EIA administrator.
Motiva restarts expansion segment of huge Port Arthur refinery in Texas
The process of restarting the unit began late last year, but was further delayed by the discovery of new pipe leaks and a small fire. A person familiar with operations said the segment will run at 200,000 to 225,000 bpd for about three to four weeks before ramping up to its full capacity of 325,000 bbl.
Nebraska approves new Keystone XL pipeline route
The approval by the state's governor, a Republican, is one of the last remaining hurdles the pipeline has to clear before getting a final permit from the Obama administration. Meanwhile, the US State Department is expected to release a draft of its own findings in the coming days.

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