Global Refining & Fuels Today

Carbon Footprint of U.S. Corn-Ethanol Continues to Shrink - Study

Innovations in U.S. corn-ethanol output have resulted in increased yield per bushel (/bushel) even as less energy is required for production, according to a study released in late April titled, 2012 Corn Ethanol: Emerging Plant Energy and Environmental Technologies.

U.S. DOE Authorizes Second LNG-Export Facility on Gulf Coast

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has authorized ConocoPhillips-led Freeport LNG Expansion LP and FLNG Liquefaction LLC to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to countries that do not have a free-trade agreement (FTA) with the U.S.

U.S. Interior Department Rolls Out Revised Fracking Regulations

The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) on May 16 released an updated draft proposal that would establish safety standards for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on public and Indian lands as part of the Obama administration’s “all-of-the-above” energy strategy supporting safe and responsible domestic energy production.

Delek US 1Q 2013 Net Income Rises Year-on-Year

Delek US Holdings announced May 8 that its first-quarter (1Q) 2013 net income rose to US$77.5 million, up from $46.2 million in 1Q 2012.

Hart Energy Commodities Report

NYMEX-traded U.S. crude oil futures rose for a third straight day on Friday, shrugging off a firmer dollar, stronger U.S. equities and a raft of strong economic data.

IEA: 2013 Oil Demand to Hit 90.6 MMb/d; Refinery Output to Surge

In its latest monthly Oil Market Report (issued May 14), the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that global oil demand in 2013 will rise to 90.6 million barrels per day (MMb/d), a slight increase from last month’s forecast.

HollyFrontier CEO: Elevated RIN Costs Will Be Passed Down to Consumers

Dallas, Texas-based refiner HollyFrontier Corp. announced May 7 that it will need to purchase about 50% of its Renewable Identification Number (RIN) compliance requirement in the marketplace – at an estimated cost between US$125 million and $150 million.

UOP Licenses ‘Oleflex’ Technology for U.S. Gulf Coast Propylene Plant

UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, announced May 16 that it has been selected to provide technology for the world’s largest on-purpose-propylene production facility on the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Swedish Science Academy Recommends Gasification-Based Biofuels

Sweden’s Royal Academy of Sciences (KVA) last month published its “Norrland Project” report urging that policy-makers focus upon non-food-based biofuel development, principally forest-waste gasification followed by methanol and dimethyl ether (DME) synthesis.

New Electric Locomotives Utilize Regenerative-Braking System

Siemens announced May 13 the initial delivery of a series of new electric locomotives that will be more energy-efficient than the older locomotives being replaced.

MTU Touts New Engine R&D, Test Sites in Germany, U.S.

MTU on May 6 began construction on a €60-million (US$78-million) engine test facility in Friedrichshafen, Germany, with a focus on development of advanced-combustion schemes, engine controls, emissions controls and gas engines.