Global Refining & Fuels Today

On-Board Fuel Quality Sensor Developer Garners €2.5 Million in Finance Round; Sees 2012-2013 Commercial Debut

France-based SP3H officials announced March 8 that they just closed an initial €2.5 million (US$3.4 million) round of financing with Truffle Capital, a European private equity firm specializing in the energy sector.

‘Sound, Complete Science’ Should Guide 15% Ethanol Decision: Coalition

National Petrochemical & Refiners Association and 40 other business and environmental advocacy associations and organizations on March 15 sent a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson urging caution on a proposed scheme that would allow up to 15% ethanol in gasoline.

EU CO2 Fuel Tax Unveiling Due in April or May

The European Union’s new taxation commissioner, Algirdas Šemeta, plans to unveil a scheme for imposing a carbon dioxide tax on fuels within the next two months.

CARB Examines Crude Oil for ‘Low Carbon Fuel Standard’

The California Air Resources Board holds its first public workgroup meeting March 29 in Sacramento, to discuss a crude oil screening process for its “low carbon fuel standard” regulations.

Crude Futures Fall on Concerns of Inflation in India, China

Crude oil futures fell March 15 as the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for April delivery fell US$1.44, settling at $79.80 per barrel (/bbl), and the Brent crude for April delivery fell $1.50, closing at $77.89/bbl.

Tesoro Considers Hawaii Refinery Options

According to reports in several Honolulu newspapers, Tesoro Corp. is evaluating the future of its 93,500 barrel-per-day (b/d) Kapolei, Hawaii, refinery, Reuters reported.

CO2 from Ethanol Plant in CCS Project

Carbon dioxide emissions from the Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) ethanol production plant in Decatur, Illinois, will be captured and stored in a deep saline aquifer in a U.S. Department of Energy project scheduled to start early next year.

Venezuela Turns to Diesel in Power Crisis

Venezuela’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum Rafael Ramírez announced this month that the country will burn some 100,0000 barrels/day of diesel to generate about 5,000 megaWatts (MW) of supplemental power to replace hydropower declines during this year’s drought.

Alternative Fuel Co. Expands Operations in China

American Jianye Greentech Holdings, Inc., an alternative fuel company that develops, manufactures and distributes alcohol-based automobile fuel products in the People's Republic of China, announced March 12 that its wholly owned operating company, Heilongjiang New Clean Fuels Co., Ltd has opened an office and is completing the construction of a new clean fuels production plant in the North Industrial Area, Liaoning Province, Tieling City, China.

Japan Moving to Impose Carbon Cuts on Fuels

The government of Japan last week began drafting a bill that aims to cut greenhouse emissions on gasoline and other petroleum products, according to a report from NQN news service.

Fuel Dispenser UL-Approved for Ethanol Blends up to 25%

Dresser Wayne officials announced March 15 that their Ovation Eco Fuel model dispenser has been certified by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) for use with ethanol blends up to E25.

U.S. Court Confirms Petrobras Payment for Pasadena Refinery

The United States District Court for southern Texas on March 10 confirmed an arbitration award issued on April 10, 2009, which found that Petrobras must pay Astra Oil Trading US$639 million for the Pasadena (Texas) Refining System (PRSI), which includes interest and attorney’s fees involved in a legal dispute.

Maersk, Lloyd’s Launch Marine Biodiesel-Blend Test

Maersk and Lloyd’s Register officials announced this month they’re teaming-up in a two-year test program of biodiesel blends on a diesel-powered ship.

Electrification Eliminates Gasoline, Slashes Diesel by 2050: California Study

A study sponsored by integrated gasification combined cycle project developer Hydrogen Energy foresees that massive electrification of the motor vehicle sector will be required for California to achieve its 2050 greenhouse gas reduction targets.

BYD to Boost Spending 59% in 2010

Officials with Chinese battery and car maker BYD Co. said March 15 that they plan to boost capital spending 59% in 2010 to expand the company’s automobile production amid robust domestic demand, according to The Wall Street Journal.