Industry: Biofuels

Geothermal energy, though under-publicized, provides reliable, low-cost, low-emission baseload power; its potential hinges on technological progress.

ConocoPhillips splitting in two, fate of plastics operations undecided ConocoPhillips Co. is splitting itself into two independent companies, but just which one will oversee its plastics joint venture may not be decided for “several months.” The Houston-based company announced its plan July 14 to spin off its downstream operations to create one firm overseeing refining […]

Asahi Kasei to build S-SBR plant in Singapore Asahi Kasei Chemicals held a groundbreaking ceremony in Jurong Island, Singapore, for the first phase of construction of a new plant to produce solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR). Asahi Kasei Chemicals is expanding S-SBR operations as a world-leading business, with the new plant in Singapore representing a major […]

Shin-Etsu’s PVC plant in Kashima starts operating at full capacity Shin-Etsu Chemical says that its polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plant at Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan has started operating at full capacity since May 31. Operations at the PVC plant, where production was suspended since the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, were partially […]

Shin-Etsu’s PVC plant in Kashima starts operating at full capacity Shin-Etsu Chemical says that its polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plant at Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan has started operating at full capacity since May 31. Operations at the PVC plant, where production was suspended since the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, were partially […]

Former Dow scientist convicted of selling trade secrets A former Dow Chemical Co. scientist has been convicted of selling information on production of Tyrin-brand chlorinated polyethylene to Chinese firms. Wen Chyu Liu – also known as David Liou – was convicted by a jury in U.S. District Court in Baton Rouge on Feb, 6 and […]

The Wall Street Journal published today a good review of geothermal energy, which, “spurred by new technology and government funds, is enjoying a resurgence.” – Uday Turaga

COAL Sinopec to build coal-based MTO project in China China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), the second largest oil and natural gas producer in China entered an agreement with the government of Hebi city in China’s central Henan province to jointly develop a 1.8 million ton per year coal-based methanol to olefin (MTO) project. Sinopec […]

European refinery divestments, driven by declining fuel demand, overcapacity, biofuel growth, and carbon emission costs, attract bids primarily from emerging economies anticipating increased transportation fuel demand.

Rumor mill – “Daulat” – the new name for Dow Chemical JV with Kuwait Petroleum??? There are rumors about the new name for a joint venture between Dow Chemical and Kuwait Petroleum. The new JV Company is rumored to be called Daulat. The word Daulat means wealth and prosperity in Arabic. The joint venture between […]

My Turn – Dr. Balaji B. Singh – New found focus on Africa –Middle East – The Last Frontier! Comments: Without exception, the major trend for the future will involve Africa – Middle East, Eastern Europe, and/or a combination thereof with China and India. It is a tribute – great minds think alike! Almost all […]

My Turn – Dr. Balaji B. Singh – Three Potential Disruptive Scenarios for the U.S Energy Picture Beyond Year 2010 Comments: Based on a strategic study of the Global Energy picture future direction, three major scenarios were identified as Low Probability – High Consequence Events that could disrupt the U.S Energy Picture. Organizations planning on […]