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Senegal's SAR Refinery Processes First Sangomar Crude Oil Shipment Dakar, Senegal - February 10, 2025 The Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR), Senegal's leading oil refinery, has successfully received and begun processing its first shipment of crude oil from the Sangomar field. This milestone marks a significant step towards Senegal's energy independence, as the facility will now refine locally produced crude oil into essential petroleum products including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and low sulfur fuel oil (LSFO). The operation commenced under the supervision of SAR's Loading Master, with the safe unloading of the inaugural vessel carrying Sangomar crude. This development comes after recent renovations that increased the refinery's capacity to 1.5 million tons per annum, enabling it to meet 70-75% of Senegal's domestic market needs. The facility, which has been operational since 1961, is jointly owned by several stakeholders, including Petrosen (46%), Locafrique (34%), Sahara Energy Resources (8.18%), TotalEnergies (6.82%), and ITOC (5%). SAR has announced plans for further expansion, targeting a capacity of 2.5 million tons per annum by 2028, which would fully satisfy Senegal's domestic demand of 1.6 million tons while supporting regional market growth. LA SOCIETE AFRICAINE DE RAFFINAGE TotalEnergies Groupe PETROSEN Locafrique #senegal #crudeoil #refining #sangomar

Pemex to Invest $975 Million in Mexico's Petrochemical Industry Mexico City, Mexico - February 12, 2025 - Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), Mexico's state-owned oil and gas company, has announced a significant investment of $975 million to bolster the country's petrochemical industry. This investment is part of the Mexican government's broader plan to revitalize the sector and reduce reliance on imports. The funds will be used to reactivate the Cangrejera complex, transforming it into a petrochemical refinery. This move aims to increase domestic production of essential petrochemical products, thereby meeting the growing demand within Mexico and potentially reducing reliance on imports. Pemex CEO Víctor Rodríguez emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, "This initiative aligns with our commitment to strengthen Mexico's energy independence and foster economic growth." He further highlighted the collaboration between Pemex and other government agencies, including the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Citizen Security, to combat fuel theft and ensure efficient logistics. The Mexican government's 2024-2030 Hydrocarbon Sector Work Plan outlines several strategic actions for Pemex, including: ▪️Efficient exploration and sustainable production of hydrocarbons ▪️Strengthening the refining system ▪️Expanding petrochemical and fertilizer output ▪️Securing efficient logistics ▪️Promoting clean energy generation PEMEX #veracruz #mexico #cangrejera #petrohemical Cangrejera gas cracker has an ethylene production capacity of 500,000 tpa

EUROPE'S INDUSTRIAL EXODUS: HOW ENERGY POLICIES AND GEOPOLITICS ARE RESHAPING THE CONTINENT Yara's Hull Plant Mothballing Highlights Europe's Ongoing Energy Challenges The recent announcement (on 7 February 2025) of Yara International's decision to mothball its Hull ammonia plant in the UK, which has an annual capacity of 300,000 metric tons represents a striking example of how Europe's energy crisis continues to impact industrial production. This decision is part of a broader strategy to reduce European ammonia production by 1 million metric tons due to high natural gas feedstock costs and the impact of European carbon policies. The Hull plant closure, likely permanent, reflects the challenges faced by energy-intensive industries in Europe, where elevated energy prices and regulatory pressures have significantly eroded competitiveness. Continue reading by going to the full article link posted in the comments. #naturalgas  #deindustrialization  #ammonia #lng Yara International Dutch TTF Gas March 25 (TGH25) Price Chart (€/MWh)

Aramco’s Motiva Expands Texas Refinery to Become Largest in US February 11, 2025 | Port Arthur, Texas, USA (Bloomberg) Motiva Enterprises, a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, has successfully expanded its refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, solidifying its position as the largest fuel-making facility in the United States. The refinery's capacity has grown to 654,000 barrels of oil per day (b/d), surpassing other major refineries in the country. The Port Arthur refinery has been a key asset for Motiva since Saudi Aramco became its sole owner in 2017. This expansion aligns with Aramco's strategic goals to strengthen its global refining and petrochemical footprint. The upgraded facility is expected to enhance fuel production capabilities while contributing significantly to the local economy by creating jobs and boosting industrial activity in the region. This development marks a significant achievement for Saudi Aramco and underscores its commitment to expanding its influence in North America's energy sector. Motiva Enterprises LLC aramco Marathon Petroleum Corporation ExxonMobil #portarthur #refinery #crudeoil Motiva Port Arthur Is Now the Largest US Refinery (Source: The Railroad Commission of Texas, Infographic credit: Bloomberg)

ExxonMobil Mulls $8.6 Billion Polyethylene Plant on Texas Gulf Coast February 7, 2025 | Point Comfort, Texas, USA (ExxonMobil Corp.) ExxonMobil is evaluating the construction of an $8.6 billion polyethylene plant in Point Comfort, Texas, as part of its global growth strategy. The proposed facility, which would include a large-scale ethanecracker, aims to produce ethylene and polyethylene—key components in plastic manufacturing. The project is under review following Exxon's application for tax abatements under Texas' Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation Act (JETI). If approved, construction could begin as early as 2026, with operations expected to start in 2031. The plant would generate approximately 600 permanent and contract jobs and employ over 3,000 workers during peak construction. Exxon projects the facility will contribute $3.6 billion annually to the state's economy once fully operational. Exxon is also considering alternative locations for the project in the Middle East, Asia, and other parts of North America. The final decision will depend on market conditions and governmental support in competing regions. ExxonMobil #polyethylene #steamcracker #usgulfcoast ExxonMobil's ethylene plant n°3 in Baytown, Texas (Credit: ExxonMobil)

Dow Inc. to Review European Assets Amid Regulatory and Market Challenges January 30, 2025 | Midland, Michigan (Dow Inc.) Dow, a global chemical giant, has initiated a comprehensive review of its European assets, focusing primarily on its polyurethane business. This decision comes as the company navigates persistent economic challenges and a complex regulatory environment in the region. The review will assess the competitiveness of key facilities producing methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), propylene oxide, and polyether polyols—assets that generated approximately $2.9 billion in annual sales in 2023. Dow aims to optimize value through its "best-owner" strategy, with plans to complete the evaluation by mid-2025. Jim Fitterling, CEO of Dow, emphasized the importance of adapting to market conditions while maintaining a value-driven approach. He noted that selling assets rather than closing them could align better with the company's long-term objectives. This move reflects broader industry trends as other chemical companies reevaluate their European operations due to high production costs and stringent regulations. Despite these challenges, Dow remains committed to strengthening its global portfolio while addressing regional complexities, reporting stable performance globally with its third-quarter 2024 sales rising modestly by 1%. Dow #chemicals #polyurethane #polyols #mdi Dow Polyurethane Technologies

Equinor Scales Back Renewable Energy Investments to Focus on Oil and Gas Growth Date: February 9, 2025 Norwegian energy giant Equinor has announced a significant shift in its energy strategy, halving its planned investments in renewable energy over the next two years while ramping up oil and gas production. The company will reduce its renewable energy spending to $5 billion, down from the $10 billion it previously committed, citing rising costs and slower-than-expected progress in low-carbon projects. Equinor has also revised its 2030 renewable capacity target to 10-12 GW, a reduction from the earlier goal of 12-16 GW. This adjustment comes as the company focuses on "value creation" and shareholder returns. CEO Anders Opedal emphasized that the decision aligns with market realities, noting that profitability in renewables has not met expectations. Despite these changes, Equinor maintains its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It plans to continue investing in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen technologies while reducing emissions from its oil and gas operations. However, the company will now prioritize increasing oil and gas output by 10% through 2027, leveraging its assets on the Norwegian continental shelf and other key projects like the Johan Sverdrup oil field to produce 2.2mn barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2030. This strategic pivot reflects broader industry trends as major energy companies, including BP and Shell, scale back renewable ambitions amid economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainties. While Equinor's move is expected to bolster cash flow and shareholder value, it raises questions about the pace of the global energy transition and the challenges of balancing profitability with sustainability goals. #energytransition #renewableenergy #oilandgas #hydrogen #carbonecapture Equinor Troll C

Dow Postpones Maintenance of Terneuzen Ethylene Cracker Amid Weak Market Conditions 24th Jan 2025 Dow's decision to indefinitely postpone the maintenance of its No. 3 ethylene cracker (LCH-3) at Terneuzen reflects the company's strategy to navigate challenging market conditions in Europe. Initially planned for 2023 and later rescheduled for 2025, the maintenance has now been deferred indefinitely due to weak regional demand and cost-cutting measures. The idling of this cracker, which has a nameplate capacity of 680,000 tons per year of ethylene, will help Dow reduce expenditures while maintaining its ability to meet customer commitments through its other two operational crackers (LCH-1, LCH-2) at the site. This move highlights the broader struggles in Europe's petrochemical sector, where subdued demand and oversupply have pressured margins. The closure of downstream derivative production facilities at the DOW Chemical’s industrial complex, in Terneuzen, such as Trinseo's ethylbenzene-styrene unit and Olin's cumene unit in 2023, has further exacerbated the challenges in placing cracker products in the market. Dow's flexibility in feedstock usage at Terneuzen has historically supported profitability, but current conditions necessitate operational adjustments. The timeline for restarting LCH-3 remains uncertain and will depend on market recovery and investment in required maintenance. #terneuzen  #netherlands  #steamcracker Dow Olin Trinseo Chemical’s industrial complex, in Terneuzen, The Netherlands

CHINA'S U.S. ETHANE IMPORTS SET TO SURGE IN 2025 February 7, 2025 | SINGAPORE (Reuters) Despite growing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing, China's ethane imports from the United States are expected to rise significantly in 2025 as petrochemical producers seek cheaper feedstock alternatives. Major Chinese companies are investing over $16 billion in infrastructure improvements to accommodate this growth. Industry analysts forecast China's ethane imports to reach between 6.3 million and 8.2 million metric tons in 2025, representing an increase of 9% to 34%. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects its net ethane exports to rise 6% to 520,000 barrels per day, with China expected to absorb most of this increase. However, two main factors currently constrain this trade growth: limited U.S. export capacity and a shortage of specialized tankers. To address these limitations, U.S. pipeline operators Energy Transfer and Enterprise Products Partners are expanding their terminal capacities. China has also demonstrated its commitment to increasing ethane imports by reducing its import tariff to 1% in 2025, down from 2% in 2024. Enterprise CEO Jim Teague remains optimistic about the trade relationship, noting that Chinese dependence on imported propane and ethane should protect this segment from broader trade tensions. #ethane #china #steamcracking #gascracker SP Chemical completed the first gas-based cracker in Taixing, China, in 2019, producing 780,000 tpa ethylene and 150,000 tpa propylene.