Americas
US issues new emission rules on diesel generators
The new rules will cut costs for diesel-generator users by $139 million a year, while reducing hazardous air pollutants, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and other pollution, the EPA said. Diesel generators emit pollution that can cause cancer and can aggravate respiratory and heart diseases.
Flint Hills reports seal pump fire at Corpus refinery
The shut down process caused a flaring event at the 70,000-bpd East Plant, which was reported to local emergency planners. There were no injuries associated with the event, nor was there a call for the community to take action. The seal pump fire was extinguished quickly, the company said.
Pacific Ethanol eyes yield-enhancing ethanol technology at US plant
Pacific Ethanol Inc. will implement yield-enhancing technology at its Stockton, California ethanol plant. The company has awarded Edeniq, a biomaterials and sustainable fuels developer, with a contract for Edeniq's Cellunators technology to boost ethanol yields by increasing available starch for conversion.
Forecast: 1 million new NG-fueled vehicles to hit global roads by 2019
Pike Research recently issued a forecast calling for the sale of nearly 1 million new natural gas-fueled trucks and buses on roads worldwide between 2012 and 2019.
Delek buys North Texas biodiesel plant from EQM
The biodiesel facility has a production capacity of 12 million gal/year. Delek said it intends to spend approximately $3.0 million in capital expenditures during 2013 to improve the feedstock flexibility. At present, the facility produces biodiesel exclusively for Delek under a tolling agreement.
Westlake launches ethylene expansion project at Lake Charles complex
This expansion will be completed in conjunction with a planned maintenance turnaround and will increase ethane-based ethylene capacity by approximately 230-240 million lbs/year in support of the company's ethylene integration strategy, according to Westlake company officials.
US shale boom to spur manufacturing growth, but not energy independence
The US currently imports approximately half its daily consumption of 19 million bpd of oil and remains both the largest importer and consumer of oil. Conservation and the shale revolution would not eliminate upward pressure on prices from rising emerging market demand.
Methanex to temporarily shut down Chile plant amid poor gas supply
Methanex is currently operating one plant in Chile at low operating rates. In 2013, planned output from this plant represents less than 5% of the company's total production, CEO John Floren said.
Chevron sees weaker US, global refining margins
During the first two months of the fourth quarter, US refinery crude-input volumes decreased by 77,000 bpd compared to the third quarter, driven primarily by the continued shutdown of the Richmond, California refinery crude unit. International refinery crude-input volumes increased 9,000 bpd.
Tesoro to convert Hawaii refinery to import terminal
Tesoro had been trying to sell the 94,000 bpd refinery since January 2012 because of eroding profit margins. The conversion to an import facility, expected to occur in April, will allow Tesoro to cut costs related to processing fuel there while still allowing the company to distribute fuel in the state.
- AM Green and DP World join forces to establish India as global hub for green molecules 1/16
- Toyota unit Hino Motors reaches $1.6-B U.S. diesel emissions settlement 1/16
- Update: Colonial Pipeline's main U.S. gasoline artery likely shut until Friday 1/16
- EIA: U.S. crude stocks fall, gasoline and distillate inventories rise 1/16
- South Korea considering buying more U.S. oil and gas 1/16
- Shell, CNOOC take FID on 1.6-MMtpy petrochemical complex expansion in China 1/15
