Despite recent reduced public attention, two new reports indicate continued expansion in renewable energy capacity, investment, geographic distribution, and decreasing energy costs.

Recent months have brought increasing optimism for refiners, particularly in the U.S. Gulf Coast, Rockies, and Midwest. Capitalizing on this potential upturn necessitates operational excellence, capital discipline, and favorable market conditions.

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

ADI Chemical Market Resources (ADI CMR) provides a comprehensive analysis of polyolefin catalyst technologies, covering catalysts used in the production of LLDPE, MDPE, HDPE, and PP in low-pressure reactors. The report explores traditional Ziegler-Natta and chrome catalysts, the rise of single-site metallocene catalysts, and recent advances in catalyst systems. With patent expirations opening the market […]

The North American success story has motivated a number of foreign countries and companies to initiate efforts toward developing their local shale gas resources. The potential is very promising. A study commissioned by the EIA concluded that nearly 6,000 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas reserves are available in 32 countries. This is far more […]

Süd-Chemie launches improved PDH catalyst for Catofin technology Süd-Chemie, a Clariant subsidiary, says that its “breakthrough” catalyst used in the Lummus Catofin propane dehydrogenation (PDH) technology has been successful in delivering a significant increase in propylene selectivity, while simultaneously reducing energy consumption. The new catalyst, introduced just more than a year ago, has delivered a […]

AMERICAS FlexPO 2012 CMR Inc. recently concluded its 21st annual FlexPO conference. The conference was conducted over two days in downtown Houston, TX, and featured speakers from across the globe. The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Balaji Singh, President of CMR. Dr. Balaji Singh welcomed all the delegates and introduced the main theme for the […]

AMERICAS FlexPO 2012 CMR Inc. recently concluded its 21st annual FlexPO conference. The conference was conducted over two days in downtown Houston, TX, and featured speakers from across the globe. The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Balaji Singh, President of CMR. Dr. Balaji Singh welcomed all the delegates and introduced the main theme for the […]

AMERICAS Shell selects site near Monaca, Pittsburgh for petrochemical refinery Shell Oil Co. has chosen a site near Pittsburgh for a major, multi-billion-dollar petrochemical refinery that could create thousands of construction jobs and provide a huge economic boost to the region. Shell has signed a land option agreement with Horsehead Corp. to evaluate a site […]

AMERICAS Ethylene XXI financing completion is expected by end of April Negotiations for a financing package for the Ethylene XXI complex planned by Braskem and Grupo Idesa for Coatzacoalcos, Mexico are expected to be making good progress, with final formal closing expected by the end of April. Ethylene XXI would include a 1,050 KTA ethylene […]

AMERICAS Eastman to acquire Solutia for USD 4.7 billion Eastman Chemical has reached an agreement to acquire Solutia for about USD 4.7 billion in cash and stock. Eastman expects the purchase to create a leading specialty chemical maker and offer the opportunity to grow its presence in Asia. Solutia shareholders will receive USD 22/share in […]

EPA Seeks Outside Experts to Review Controversial Fracking Report EPA is requesting nominations for outside experts to review its controversial report linking water contamination in Wyoming to hydraulic fracturing. EPA’s draft analysis met with resistance from some in the industry, which has called for a rigorous review of EPA’s findings. Nominations will be due by […]