Petrochemicals
Novamont, Genomatica sign Europe JV for bio-BDO
Novamont and Genomatica have signed a definitive agreement establishing a joint venture (JV) for the first industrial plant in Europe producing butanediol (BDO) directly from renewable feedstocks. Initial production is expected in 2013. Novamont will have a majority of the equity in the JV, and Genomatica a minority interest.
Albemarle launches electronic materials business
US specialty chemicals producer Albemarle has officially announced the formation of its Electronic Materials business unit. The business has already begun selling commercial quantities of ultra high purity trimethyl gallium (TMG) and triethylgallium (TEG) under its new PureGrowth brand name.
CNPC inks deal with Shell, Qatar for China refinery, petrochemical project
China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC) said Thursday that it signed a deal with Qatar Petroleum and Shell to build a refining complex in the eastern Chinese city of Taizhou. The project will import condensate and raw materials to produce ethylene and other petrochemical products.
PPG finalizes acquisition of Colombia coatings units
PPG Industries has completed its acquisition of the coatings businesses of Colpisa Colombiana de Pinturas and its affiliates, including Colpisa Ecuador. Colpisa has been a technology licensee of PPG automotive OEM coatings since 1996 and a distributor of PPG automotive refinish products since 2004.
Samsung, Total tap UOP technology on South Korea petrochemical, fuels venture
Honeywell’s UOP has been selected by the Samsung Total Petrochemicals Co. joint venture to provide technologies for the production of key petrochemicals and high-quality diesel and jet fuel at its complex in Daesan, South Korea. The units are expected to start up in 2014.
Methanex secures gas supply deal, plans restart of New Zealand methanol plant
Methanex says it plans to restart the second methanol plant at its Motunui site in New Zealand. The company signed a 10-year agreement with New Zealand-based Todd Energy to supply natural gas for up to half of the 1.5 million tpy of capacity at the Motunui site.
BP unveils global energy outlook through 2030, boosts demand estimate
Global energy demand will continue to grow over the next 20 years, albeit at a slowing annual rate, fueled by economic and population growth in non-OECD countries, BP said in its Energy Outlook 2030 report. The demand projection is up 1.2% from the year-earlier estimate.
UAE, China ink energy cooperation agreements
United Arab Emirates said Tuesday that its Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., or ADNOC, signed an energy cooperation agreement with China National Petroleum Corp., or CNPC. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as petrochemicals, technical services, engineering and construction services.
BASF to invest €1bn on new TDI plant in Germany
BASF plans to build a single-train 300,000 tpy production plant for TDI (toluene diisocyanate) and expand additional plants for its precursors at its site in Ludwigshafen. TDI is a key component mainly used for flexible polyurethane foams.
Georgia Gulf rejects $1bn unsolicited takeover bid from Westlake Chemical
The board of directors for US chemicals firm Georgia Gulf rejected Westlake Chemical’s unsolicited proposal to acquire the company for a $30/share bid, valued by analysts at just over $1 billion. Georgia Gulf also modified its shareholder rights plan in hopes of thwarting the bid.
- BASF’s Intermediates division produces entire portfolio of acid chlorides and chloroformates at its Ludwigshafen site using renewable electricity credits 3/23
- LG Chem shuts down 800,000-tpy Yeosu naphtha cracker 3/23
- French Energy Ministry considers increasing oil refining capacity 3/23
- Schneider Electric global study shows energy industry ramping up investment in autonomous operations by 2030 as AI reshapes performance 3/23
- Middle East shock gives Dangote refinery leverage as cheap imports dry up 3/23
- HWI officially opens state-of-the-art Fulton (U.S.) lightweight monolithics facility 3/23
