In a monumental initiative poised to reshape Central Appalachia’s landscape, Newpoint Trillium Management, LLC, has announced its collaboration with TritenIAG, alongside Vista Projects, for the pioneering Trillium H2Power Project (tH2Power) in Pike County, Ohio. This visionary $1.6 billion venture aims to establish a state-of-the-art decarbonised clean hydrogen production, sustainable power generation, and closed-loop manufacturing complex on the grounds of the former DOE Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PORTS) near Piketon, Ohio.

A Vision for Sustainable Development and Community Revitalisation

The project heralds a significant stride towards sustainable industrial development and environmental stewardship in the region. With over a decade of meticulous planning and development, tH2Power is expected to create more than 1,900 jobs during its construction phase and inject over $346 million into the local economy. Furthermore, the long-term vision includes the addition of 237 operations and maintenance jobs, contributing nearly $200 million annually to the regional economy.

Barry Switzer, VP TritenIAG, Raoul Portillo, VP TritenIAG, Rich Hamilton, CEO Newpoint Trillium, Terence Easton, CEO TritenIAG, Michael Cowser, VP

Strategically located on 250 acres of remediated land, tH2Power signifies a monumental leap towards sustainable industrial development and environmental conservation. Spearheaded by Newpoint Trillium Management in collaboration with Stephanie Howe and her team at Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, this project serves as the linchpin of the Southern Ohio Diversification Initiative’s (SODI) comprehensive site reindustrialisation strategy.

Collaborative relationships foster successful results.

At the forefront of innovative clean energy solutions, tH2Power embodies a collective effort involving state, federal, and community leaders, alongside organised labour and globally recognised technology leaders, to ensure economic stability and prosperity for the region’s communities.

TritenIAG, the project’s latest partner, brings over 75 years of expertise in managing business-critical projects. Terence Easton, CEO of TritenIAG, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting Newpoint Trillium’s visionary approach and the alignment of TritenIAG’s technical excellence with the project’s goals.

Rich Hamilton, CEO of Newpoint Trillium Management, LLC, underscored the transformative potential of the project, emphasising the strategic collaboration with TritenIAG and its impact on advancing clean energy and economic prosperity in Central Appalachia.

Strategic Location and Ambitious Projections

Situated strategically in Pike County, Ohio, the tH2Power complex capitalises on the county’s historical significance with government-owned facilities and robust energy infrastructure. The project aims to daily produce 500 metric tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen, 150 MW of power, 1,200 metric tonnes of ammonia, and 100 metric tonnes of silicon, not only advancing environmental sustainability but also enhancing economic viability and stimulating regional development.

For more information visit: www.triteniag.com

10th annual LNGCON 2024: A Global Gathering of LNG Industry Experts

For ten years, the International LNG Congress (LNGCON) has been bringing together major players in the global LNG industry to discuss key issues and opportunities. In 2024, LNGCON welcomes its participants on March 11-12, 2024 in Milan, Italy to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

The International LNG Congress is annually organized by BGS Group and welcomes over 360 delegates that represent gas majors, EPCs, local gas companies, LNG shipping, truck and fleet owners, terminals and ports, equipment manufacturers, and service providers. The Congress is held in partnership with Greenture (Snam Group), Techint E&C, Iveco, Edison SpA, and Hanseatic Energy Hub. In addition, LNGCON has the closed-door format, which means that only top-level management from the LNG industry attend the event.

“Our goal is to organise an event that takes into account the needs of the participants and fully covers them. Therefore, we always find out what goals companies have in the current year in order to make the Congress as useful and effective as possible”, – said Natalya Kuznetsova, project director of the International LNG Congress.

LNGCON celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024. Throughout these times, the Congress has been the great networking place for the global LNG arena. Participants have built new partnerships and have prolonged the beneficial ones. It is a great place for stakeholders across the entire LNG value chain to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Delegates of LNGCON 2024 are going to celebrate the 10th anniversary with some exciting activities: a visit to the Gallery café Meravigli in Milan to make 1-to-1 connections, a Grand Lottery by the BGS team while listening to jazz band music in the background.

In the latest BGS Group interview from LNGCON 2023, Léon van Bossum, CEO at Nordsol, shared his impressions: “For me, it’s the first time that I’m here. I must say that I’m actually quite impressed by the amount of people, the topics that were discussed and the speakers”.

As for the 2024 year’s agenda, it tackles important topics the industry faces as it adapts to the energy transition and works to meet rising gas demand. The upcoming two-days LNGCON features presentations and panel discussions on topics: bio-LNG and synthetic LNG, small-scale LNG projects, the energy transition, LNG bunkering infrastructure, trading and pricing, and the role of LNG versus hydrogen.

For more information visit : https://sh.bgs.group/18m

For more information visit www.cygnus-instruments.com

QatarEnergy has made a significant move in expanding its exploration portfolio by entering into a new agreement concerning Block 3B/4B offshore South Africa. Teaming up with TotalEnergies, the company has inked a farm-in agreement with Africa Oil Corporation, Ricocure, and Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas to acquire participating interests in this promising offshore block.

Upon completion of the deal, QatarEnergy will secure a 24 percent participating interest in Block 3B/4B, while TotalEnergies will hold the lion’s share at 33 percent and will operate the block. The remaining participating interests will be distributed among existing licence holders, with Africa Oil Corporation at 17 percent, Ricocure at 19.75 percent, and Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas at 6.25 percent.

In response to the agreement, His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the minister of state for energy affairs and the president and CEO of QatarEnergy, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “The farm-in to Block 3B/4B builds on our presence in the prolific Orange Basin. We are pleased to enter this block together with our strategic partner TotalEnergies, and we look forward to working together with our partners and the relevant government entities in South Africa to further assess this block’s potential.”

Block 3B/4B encompasses an expansive area of over 17,500 square kilometres within the Orange Basin, situated offshore the western coast of South Africa. The water depths in this region range between 300 and 2,000 metres, presenting promising prospects for exploration and potential hydrocarbon discoveries.

For more information visit www.qatarenergy.qa

On 10 January 2024, an important development took place in South Africa’s energy sector as Transnet National Ports Authority announced the appointment of the Vopak Terminal Durban & Transnet Pipelines consortium as the preferred bidder for the development and operation of a liquefied natural gas terminal at the Port of Richards Bay. This appointment marks a significant step towards addressing the country’s energy crisis and promoting decarbonisation efforts.

The consortium’s role will encompass various aspects, including the design, development, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of the LNG terminal in the South Dunes Precinct at the Port of Richards Bay. With a contract period of 25 years, the consortium will have a substantial opportunity to make a lasting impact on the economic landscape of the port city and the KwaZulu Natal Province.

The LNG terminal is expected to bring about a paradigm shift in the energy dynamics of the region by introducing an alternative source of energy. As South Africa grapples with an energy crisis, the LNG terminal will play a crucial role in providing energy security to the country. Additionally, it will contribute to the country’s decarbonisation efforts, aligning with global sustainability goals.

The proposed LNG terminal will be implemented in two phases, with the aim of serving the South African market with an LNG import solution. This will not only contribute to the diversification of the country’s energy mix but also accelerate the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.

The development and operation of the LNG terminal at the Port of Richards Bay hold immense potential for economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. The consortium’s expertise and commitment to excellence position them as key players in shaping the future of South Africa’s energy landscape. With the support of Transnet National Ports Authority, the consortium is well-equipped to execute this ambitious project and drive positive change in the country’s energy sector.

For more information visit www.zululandenergyterminal.co.za

Exolum will be the first company in the world to physically transport and store hydrogen through Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers in commercial-scale, repurposed oil pipeline and tank storage infrastructure. Exolum and its project partners have secured the support of the UK Government, through public funding of £505,000 via Innovate UK, to carry out this innovative project at Exolum’s Immingham terminal in the Humber region. This is a major milestone in the company’s decarbonisation and diversification strategy, one of the objectives of which is to promote the development of hydrogen as an energy vector.

Organic liquid hydrogen carriers are oil-like compounds that can absorb and release hydrogen through chemical reactions, and therefore LOHCs can be used as storage and transport medium for hydrogen. Previous projects have technically proven the processes required to attach and release hydrogen from LOHCs. Through this project, Exolum and its partners will demonstrate the only step in the LOHC process which has yet to be technically proven and demonstrated – its transport and storage in existing repurposed oil infrastructure.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 and will store and transport 400 cubic metres of LOHC, carrying around 20,000 kg of hydrogen (enough to drive a hydrogen passenger car around 2 million kilometres), between the Immingham East and Immingham West facilities via a 1.5 km pipeline. Laboratory testing will take place to confirm that the LOHC quality is maintained.

This project will allow Exolum to gain valuable information and insights into using its infrastructure for the transport and storage of LOHCs, a major step forward in the development and research of new storage and distribution technologies for new energy carriers, as well as a natural extension of its service offering.

Exolum’s infrastructure can already store and distribute multiple liquid products, so this offering is scalable and adaptable to support growth in market demand. The viability of this project will support the first hydrogen projects in the UK, making the crucial service of large-scale hydrogen storage and distribution available ahead of alternative options.

In addition to Exolum, as transport and storage infrastructure partner, this project involves Axiom, a British award-winning, multi-discipline engineering consultancy business who will design and manage the laboratory testing.

In the words of Felix Gomez, technology and innovation lead: “At Exolum we are constantly working to accelerate the energy transition through the development of new logistics solutions for the energy carriers of the future. This project is a clear example of this and highlights the high potential of using existing energy infrastructure for new energy carriers”. Furthermore, Andres Suarez, global strategy & growth lead added that “Exolum has one of the most efficient and modern logistics system in the world, so its possibilities of use in the new energy transition scenario are highly realistic and have the potential to be game-changing”.

Exolum is firmly committed to the development of projects related to green hydrogen and its derivatives for both industrial use and mobility. In Spain, the company has completed construction of the first integrated green hydrogen production and dispatch plant for mobility in the Community of Madrid. It is also building a green hydrogen production plant and refuelling station at its Riverside terminal, located in Stockton-on-Tees (United Kingdom), as part of the “Tees Valley Hydrogen Vehicle Ecosystem” project.  Similarly, the company has acquired 50 percent of the world’s leading ammonia and NGL storage facility in Houston, USA, which is currently developing one of the world’s most advanced low-carbon ammonia production and export projects.

Likewise, and in collaboration with other companies and research centres, Exolum participates in other projects that aim to promote the development of new energy vectors by taking advantage of existing infrastructures, researching storage and distribution technologies for hydrogen of renewable origin in LOHCs, such as the Regenera and GreenH2Pipes consortiums, and HSL Technologies, a French start-up focused on the development for the creation of simple, efficient, innovative and economical methods for transporting and storing hydrogen.

For more information visit exolum.com

ONEOK, Inc. has reported higher fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 results, along with providing financial guidance for 2024.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the company achieved a net income of $688 million, equivalent to $1.18 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA exceeded $1.5 billion, showcasing significant growth compared to the previous year. Notable increases were observed in various operational metrics, including a 20 percent rise in Rocky Mountain region NGL raw feed throughput volumes, a 17 percent increase in Gulf Coast/Permian region NGL raw feed throughput volumes, and a 17percent increase in natural gas volumes processed.

For the full year of 2023, ONEOK reported a net income of approximately $2.7 billion, resulting in $5.48 per diluted share, with adjusted EBITDA surpassing $5.2 billion. Key highlights included a 19 percent increase in Gulf Coast/Permian region NGL raw feed throughput volumes, a 10 percent increase in Rocky Mountain region NGL raw feed throughput volumes, and a substantial 54 percent increase in total wells connected.

Looking ahead to 2024, ONEOK expects continued growth, with a net income midpoint projection of $2.8 billion and an adjusted EBITDA midpoint of $6.1 billion. The company anticipates capital expenditures ranging from approximately $1.75 billion to $1.95 billion.

Pierce H. Norton II, president and CEO of ONEOK, expressed confidence in the company’s future performance, citing record volumes, strong financial results, and the completion of the Magellan acquisition as drivers of growth and transformation in 2023. Norton emphasised ONEOK’s commitment to maximising investor value through disciplined capital-growth opportunities, maintaining a strong balance sheet, dividend growth, and share repurchases.

Key highlights for 2024 include a quarterly dividend increase, the authorisation of a $2 billion share repurchase programme, and the extinguishment of $1.3 billion of long-term debt in 2023.

Additionally, ONEOK provided updates on capital-growth projects, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, and financial performance metrics for the fourth quarter and full year of 2023.

Overall, ONEOK’s robust financial performance in 2023 and optimistic outlook for 2024 underscore its commitment to delivering value to shareholders while prioritising sustainability and responsible business practices.

For more information visit : www.oneok.com

Talos Energy Inc. announced on 5 March 2024 the successful completion of its acquisition of QuarterNorth Energy Inc.

Following the acquisition, Talos now boasts approximately 183.0 million shares of common stock outstanding, including around 24.4 million shares issued to QuarterNorth shareholders as part of the transaction. Moreover, Talos has appointed QuarterNorth’s designee, Joseph A. Mills, to the Talos board of directors. The company intends to update its 2024 operational and financial guidance to incorporate the closing of the acquisition in the near future.

Timothy S. Duncan, president and chief executive officer of Talos, expressed enthusiasm about the completed transaction, stating, “We are excited to close this important transaction ahead of schedule as we focus on operational execution and acceleration of synergies from the transaction. We expect the addition of these predominantly operated, oil-weighted deepwater assets and related infrastructure will enhance our ability to consistently generate substantial free cash flow while expanding our portfolio of growth opportunities. We also welcome Joe Mills to our Board. Joe brings valuable experience and insight to our business as an accomplished public company executive in the energy industry and board member in the upstream and midstream business sector.”

For more information visit : www.talosenergy.com

Kent, a global integrated energy services company, has announced the award of a five-year global commissioning framework agreement by bp.

Under this agreement, Kent’s specialists will be fully integrated into bp’s commissioning and completions management team, ensuring a standardised approach across all projects and business units worldwide. This strategic collaboration aims to instill a commissioning readiness culture and provide oversight and assurance of commissioning delivery through the utilisation of proven technology. The framework agreement, with a possible extension, is set to extend until the end of 2028. Kent’s CCS Centre of Excellence and regional operations will execute the services.

Kent’s extensive experience in end-to-end CCS services played a pivotal role in securing this framework agreement. The company’s approach to integrating commissioning throughout all project stages ensures certainty on quality, cost, and schedule, leading to optimised operational uptime and flawless project start-ups.

Tush Doshi, chief operating officer at Kent, expressed pride in strengthening the longstanding relationship with BP, stating, “This framework agreement is a testament to our team’s world-class approach and ability to deliver results across the value chain. We look forward to collaborating with bp to achieve best-in-class commissioning performance.”

John Kennedy, VP project management at bp, also commented on the award, stating, “Transforming our approach to commissioning delivery is a key factor in bp’s mission to continuously improve project delivery. This agreement is an enabler to that mission, leveraging Kent’s CCS capability throughout the lifecycle of projects and building on a long-term relationship that has contributed to successful delivery across our global portfolio, including projects in Azerbaijan, Egypt, and Trinidad.”

For more information visit kentplc.com

Matrix Service Company, a renowned leader in engineering, construction, and maintenance services, has recently made waves with its subsidiary, Matrix North American Construction (Matrix NAC), securing a significant contract. The contract entails the engineering, procurement, and construction of three 522,000-barrel crude oil storage tanks at a terminal situated on the West Coast, all for a valued client.

Adding to the scope of the project, Matrix Applied Technologies will provide geodesic domes, an innovative solution aimed at aiding in the management of carbon emissions. This comprehensive approach underscores Matrix Service’s commitment not only to delivering high-quality infrastructure but also to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

John R. Hewitt, president and CEO of Matrix Service, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the contract, stating, “This award is a testament to our growing presence in downstream project opportunities. As a leader in the industry, we are dedicated to meeting the global demand for fossil fuels while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns by reducing the carbon intensity of our operations. We are honoured to have the trust and confidence of our valued client, and we look forward to delivering yet another successful project.”

The announcement of this contract reinforces Matrix Service’s reputation as a reliable partner in the energy sector, capable of delivering complex projects efficiently and responsibly. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Matrix Service continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy infrastructure.

For more information visit: www.matrixservicecompany.com

Fusion Fuel announced the approval of a €1.015 million grant from the European Commission’s Horizon Europe Programme. As a member of H2tALENT, a consortium sponsored by the Universidade de Évora, Fusion Fuel joins 29 partners from six countries across Europe. The consortium aims to develop small-scale hydrogen valleys, demonstrating decarbonisation potential.

The Alentejo Hydrogen Valley, part of H2tALENT’s submission, focuses on accelerating the development of the local hydrogen economy in Portugal’s Alentejo region. Fusion Fuel’s role involves providing electrolyzer technology for green hydrogen projects, building on its demonstration projects in Evora. The grant will support automation equipment for Fusion Fuel’s Evora facility and engineering work for the Sines I project.

Pedro Caçorino Dias, Fusion Fuel’s head of commercial for Portugal, expressed excitement about advancing the green hydrogen economy in the Alentejo region. The grant underscores Fusion Fuel’s commitment to sustainable energy and its position as a key player in the transition to a greener future.

For more information please visit: ir.fusion-fuel.eu

Adler and Allan, an environmental risk reduction services business, has recently acquired QEM Solutions, a company specialising in quality and engineering management solutions.

With over 20 years of experience, QEM has provided professional services, technical consultancy, inspections and surveys, management and training, and software for safe systems of work to the highly regulated gas and water industries.

Henrik Pedersen, chief executive officer, Adler and Allan (L). Rob Graham, chief executive officer, QEM Solutions (R)

Rob Graham, CEO of QEM, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are excited to be joining the Adler and Allan Group. The services Adler and Allan deliver and their established position in the utilities and environmental markets allow us to provide our expert quality and engineering management solutions to more companies, providing a full turnkey package of process management and engineering solutions.”

Henrik Pedersen, CEO of Adler and Allan, highlighted the strategic significance of the acquisition, saying, “This critical acquisition supports our mission and our ambitious growth plans by bolstering our specialist quality and engineering management capability and enhancing our range of services to the gas and water sectors, making us a partner of choice for utilities companies as they tackle the challenges of energy diversification and distribution through RIIO-3 and RIIO-4.”

This marks Adler and Allan’s fifth acquisition in the utilities sector and eighth overall in the last three years, further solidifying its position as a national turnkey partner to the utilities sector with comprehensive services spanning strategic infrastructure advice, monitoring, data and analytics, front-line operational capability, and environmental consultancy.

For more information visit www.adlerandallan.co.uk

The commercial commissioning of the OAL has been successfully completed, paving the way for potential feed-ins. The final step in this process was achieved, marking a significant milestone for the approximately 50-kilometre-long pipeline system. Filled with natural gas, the OAL is now prepared for gas transport.

Gas injection into the OAL commenced on February 19, 2024, following the approval of the 2nd planning amendment application by the Stralsund Mining Authority. With the pipeline now reaching the required pressure level for gas transportation, it is poised for commercial use.

“We have upheld our commitment and ensured the readiness of the OAL for transportation in the winter of 2023/24,” stated Ulrich Benterbusch, managing director of GASCADE. “As a transmission system operator, we are contributing to enhancing the resilience of the German and European supply situation.”

For more information visit www.gascade.de

Oiltanking has announced its intention to divest PT Oiltanking Karimun on Karimun Island, Indonesia, to Novus Middle East, with the transaction set to take effect in the second quarter of 2024.

The decision to divest is aligned with Oiltanking’s Project Accelerate initiative, aimed at transforming the company’s business by creating a more diversified portfolio and accelerating growth. This strategic move follows a comprehensive review of strategic options for Oiltanking’s remaining assets and investments to unlock their value potential.

Bas Verkooijen, CEO of Oiltanking, commented on the divestment: “PT Oiltanking Karimun is one of our remaining assets and investments. Throughout our assessment, we considered all perspectives and concluded that transitioning PT Oiltanking Karimun to a new owner is in the best interest of our Indonesian business, employees, and shareholders.”

During the mandatory waiting period, the new owners will undergo onboarding to ensure the seamless and continued safe operation of the terminal. Oiltanking is committed to providing adequate support to local employees during this transition, with a conditional requirement in the divestment agreement ensuring that they maintain the same employment terms and conditions.

Verkooijen expressed gratitude towards vendor partnerships and local communities, acknowledging the valuable lessons learned from their collaboration. He also commended the local team of managers and operators on Karimun Island for their exceptional performance, particularly highlighting the leadership of President Director Pak Yos Effendy in strengthening customer focus.

“I remain impressed by their continued high performance,” Verkooijen stated. “Under the leadership of president director Pak Yos Effendy, our customer focus grew even stronger. Thank you.”

For more information visit www.oiltanking.com

Advanced Biofuel Solutions Ltd. (ABSL) and Hatch have announced a strategic alliance aimed at bringing innovative solutions to market for converting waste into higher-value products through plasma gasification, specifically RadGas technology.

RadGas technology is specialised in converting waste and biomass materials into synthesis gas, incorporating a fluid bed gasifier, direct current (DC) plasma furnace, and heat recovery boiler. It offers a highly efficient and reliable process, producing synthesis gas free of tars and particulates.

ABSL’s Swindon demonstration plant represents a pioneering facility converting household waste into grid-quality biomethane using RadGas technology. Hatch’s involvement with ABSL began with advice on the operation of the DC plasma furnace in Swindon. The strategic alliance announced today will see Hatch develop a design and delivery plan for a commercial DC-scale furnace specifically for RadGas, along with offering the integration of RadGas with other product technologies to provide end-to-end solutions to the market.

Robert Francki, Hatch’s global managing director of energy, stated, “ABSL’s RadGas technology has tremendous potential as a GHG-reducing solution for turning waste into low-carbon products. We are proud to contribute our well-honed furnace technology and unique ability to engineer and deliver integrated, technologically advanced, and complex facilities.”

Nathan Burkey, ABSL’s executive chairman, remarked, “We see this strategic alliance as an exciting step to building a long-term partnership that will underpin delivering robust technology today and long into the future. Hatch’s gasification expertise and technology implementation heritage bring world-class delivery capability to our RadGas offering.”

ABSL, a UK-based technology company, provides design and support services to engineering contractors and third-party developers of advanced biofuel facilities. They also own and operate the world’s first plant converting household waste into bio-substitute natural gas through gasification.

Hatch, an established technology development and global engineering firm, brings its industry-leading plasma furnace technology and experience in designing end-to-end gasification solutions to complement ABSL and the RadGas technology line-up. With sixty-eight years of experience, Hatch has implemented numerous facilities with customised electric smelting furnaces, making it well-suited for the RadGas project.

For more information please visit: absl.tech

Aramco, renowned as one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, has finalised the acquisition of a 100 percent equity stake in Esmax Distribución SpA (“Esmax”), a prominent diversified downstream fuels and lubricants retailer based in Chile.

Esmax boasts a comprehensive national presence encompassing retail fuel stations, airport operations, fuel distribution terminals, and a lubricant blending plant.

Pictured at the transaction closing are Southern Cross Group partner Raul Sotomayor, front left, and Aramco Europe president & CEO Mazin Dabbagh, front right. Back row, from left, are Southern Cross Group partner Jaime Besa, Aramco vice-president of retail and Esmax chairman Ziyad Juraifani, and Aramco international retail director Nader Al Douhan.

The transaction, initially unveiled in September 2023, marks Aramco’s inaugural downstream retail investment in South America. It underscores the allure of the Chilean market and aligns with the company’s strategic objective to fortify its downstream value chain.

Yasser Mufti, Aramco’s executive vice president of products & customers, expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition, stating: “We are delighted to conclude the acquisition of Esmax and look forward to working with the outstanding team on the ground in Chile to achieve our shared ambitions. Aramco aims to be a primary global retail player, and this deal combines our high-quality products and services, including Valvoline lubricants, with the experience and quality of an established operator in Chile.”

For more information visit www.aramco.com

Trafigura Group Pte Ltd and Greenergy, a UK-based supplier of road fuels and a major biodiesel producer, have announced that Trafigura has agreed to acquire Greenergy’s European business from Brookfield Asset Management and its listed affiliate Brookfield Business Partners for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Initially founded in 1992 to supply diesel with lower emissions, Greenergy is today one of Europe’s largest suppliers of biofuels with manufacturing plants in the UK and the Netherlands and a leading distributor of road fuels in the UK.

The acquisition of Greenergy presents a unique opportunity for Trafigura to strengthen its fuel supply operations in Europe and to add the physical production and distribution of renewable fuels to its growing biofuels business. Post acquisition, the company will continue to be led by its current management team.

The combination of Trafigura’s and Greenergy’s commercial and market expertise will add value to the existing operations, and enable the company to explore opportunities for expansion into new markets and products.

In addition, Trafigura’s financial strength will provide a robust platform for growth, helping to drive Greenergy’s strategic initiatives and its decarbonisation plan.

Ben Luckock, global head of oil at Trafigura, said: “As Europe transitions to a lower carbon future and the refining industry adapts to changing market dynamics, companies like Greenergy become increasingly important. This acquisition represents a major expansion of our existing biofuels and fuel supply capabilities, adding Greenergy’s production and distribution expertise and supporting customers’ transition to cleaner, more sustainable fuel options.”

Christian Flach, chief executive of Greenergy, said: “Trafigura brings additional understanding of global supply chains and energy markets and a track record of investing in renewables. This will further enhance our offer to customers through the energy transition and beyond.”

For more information visit www.greenergy.com

TC Energy Corporation (TRP) and its partner, Northern New England Investment Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Énergir L.P., have reached an agreement to sell the Portland Natural Gas Transmission System (PNGTS) to BlackRock and investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners. The gross purchase price stands at US$1.14 billion, inclusive of assuming US$250 million in outstanding senior notes held at PNGTS. This transaction reflects a valuation of approximately 11.0 times the reported 2023 comparable EBITDA.

François Poirier, president and CEO of TC Energy, commented, “Today’s announcement represents continued progress towards achieving our 2024 strategic priority of enhancing our balance sheet strength by delivering approximately $3 billion in asset divestitures.” He added, “This sale of a non-core asset at a strong valuation is a unique opportunity to support our capital rotation and deleveraging priorities while continuing to meet the needs of the communities PNGTS serves.”

The cash proceeds will be distributed according to the current PNGTS ownership interests (TC Energy 61.7 percent, Énergir 38.3 percent) and paid at closing, subject to customary adjustments. The buyer will also assume the outstanding senior notes held at PNGTS, currently consolidated on TC Energy’s balance sheet. The transaction is anticipated to close in mid-2024, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

PNGTS, a 475-kilometre (295-mile) FERC-regulated transporter of natural gas, serves the upper New England and Atlantic Canada markets. The pipeline receives natural gas from the Trans Quebec and Maritimes (TQM) Pipeline via the Canadian Mainline. TC Energy will provide customary transition services and collaborate with the buyer to ensure the safe and orderly transition of this critical natural gas system.

TC Energy’s focus for 2024 remains steadfast, aiming to maximise asset value through safety and operational excellence, deliver its secured capital programme on time and on budget, and bolster balance sheet strength and financial flexibility through asset divestitures and business streamlining efforts. The company’s 2024 financial guidance and growth outlook through 2026 remain unchanged following this announcement.

Barclays served as the exclusive financial advisor to TC Energy and Énergir on the transaction, while Bracewell LLP acted as the legal advisor to TC Energy.

For more information visit www.tcenergy.com

Odfjell Terminals US announces the successful completion of the construction and commissioning of Bay 13 at the Houston Terminal. The expansion project features nine new tanks with a combined capacity of 204,000 barrels.

Bay 13 showcases OTH’s commitment to offering flexible assets to its customers by building a combination of stainless steel and carbon steel tanks. Each tank has been meticulously engineered with positive pressure systems and full automation, underscoring Odfjell Terminals’ dedication to minimising emissions and environmental impact.

The newly commissioned bay is specifically designed for the storage needs of specialty chemical products, further solidifying Odfjell Terminals’ position as a leading terminal operator in the industry. The state-of-the-art infrastructure ensures the safe and secure storage of a diverse range of chemicals, meeting or exceeding the stringent requirements of modern industrial and environmental standards.

“As we continue to invest in our assets, we are proud to have developed a new tank bay that will set the standard for our business with state-of-the art automation and controls and enhanced operating flexibility that prioritises both environmental sustainability and operational efficiency,” CEO of OTUS, John Blanchard, said.

The expansion exemplifies Odfjell’s commitment to growing its terminal infrastructure platform and meeting customers’ demand for storage solutions.

For more information visit www.odfjell.com

Woodfield International, a leading manufacturer of products for the transfer of bulk fluids and gas, has announced its acquisition of Woodfield UK, marking a significant move in the marine loading arms industry. The acquisition, aimed at expanding Woodfield’s presence in India, aligns with the country’s growing energy demands and ambitious infrastructure plans. In a strategic manoeuvre, Woodfield International plans to invest over US$100 million in future acquisitions across North America and Europe, bolstering its engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

Kartik Gala, CEO and board member of Woodfield International, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating that it positions Woodfield to manufacture marine loading arms for the transfer of bulk fluids and gases, including cryogenic products such as LNG and liquid hydrogen. Gala emphasised the significance of India’s burgeoning energy sector, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s projection of a doubling in energy demand by 2045 and the nation’s extensive infrastructure development initiatives.

Gala expressed confidence in Woodfield’s ability to leverage the combined engineering and manufacturing expertise of Woodfield UK to drive groundbreaking innovations in the industry. He outlined the operational structure post-acquisition, revealing that while product engineering and management would remain in the UK, manufacturing would shift to India, making Woodfield the sole Indian company to manufacture marine loading arms domestically.

Anticipating a remarkable 40 percent year-on-year growth trajectory following the acquisition, Woodfield International is poised for substantial expansion in the global market. Looking ahead, the company envisions a series of strategic investments, with plans to replicate the success of the Woodfield UK acquisition through similar ventures in North America and Europe.

In a bold statement of intent, Woodfield International announced its commitment to invest USD 100 million over the next decade, underscoring its ambition to solidify India’s position as a prominent global hub for manufacturing and engineering excellence. This ambitious investment strategy reflects Woodfield’s unwavering dedication to driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the transfer of bulk fluids and gas worldwide.

For more information visit www.woodfieldsystems.com

In a groundbreaking development for the Philippines’ energy landscape, Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGen), Aboitiz Power Corporation (AP), and San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMGP) are spearheading the country’s inaugural and most extensive integrated liquefied natural gas facility in Batangas.

This pioneering initiative is poised to fortify energy security and propel the nation towards a cleaner, more sustainable future, aligning with the Marcos administration’s agenda to incorporate more natural gas into the country’s energy portfolio. Crucially, it aims to democratise access to competitively priced and affordable power, benefiting a broader spectrum of Filipino consumers.

In a landmark agreement valuing the entire venture at US$3.3 billion, MGen and AP will collaboratively invest in two of SMGP’s gas-fired power plants—the 1,278 MW Ilijan power plant and a new 1,320 MW combined cycle power facility set to commence operations by late 2024. Additionally, in conjunction with SMGP, they will invest in nearly 100 percent ownership of the LNG import and regasification terminal owned by Linseed Field Corporation.

Furthermore, all three entities will acquire Linseed Field Corporation’s LNG import and regasification terminal, crucial for receiving, storing, and processing LNG fuel for the aforementioned power plants. This move effectively integrates the local energy sector into the global natural gas supply chain.

“This marks a transformative endeavour,” remarked MGen Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. “Beyond reshaping the Philippines’ energy landscape, it signifies a landmark alliance among key industry players towards a more sustainable future. We are privileged to have such steadfast partners as we pave the way for a brighter, greener tomorrow.”

Empowering Progress through Clean Energy

The collaboration promises to substantially augment the nation’s power capacity, boasting over 2,500 MW of generation potential once fully operational, supported by advanced LNG storage and regasification capabilities. Beyond meeting energy demands, this initiative underscores a commitment to environmental stewardship by significantly reducing emissions.

“Both LNG and renewables are indispensable for achieving a balanced energy mix and a well-planned energy transition. Above all, this is a significant victory for the Philippines and its people. Economic progress hinges on energy security, and this investment represents a definitive stride in that direction,” stated Sabin M. Aboitiz, AP chairman.

Ramon S. Ang, SMGP chairman and president, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “For the first time, three leading power companies are collaborating to address our country’s energy needs while transitioning to cleaner power sources. This marks a monumental leap forward for our energy future, ensuring not only reliability but also cost-efficient power for countless Filipinos.”

Aligned with the government’s strategic vision for the energy sector, the agreement perfectly reflects efforts to diversify energy sources, prioritising cleaner natural gas.

The Department of Energy’s Philippine Energy Plan underscores LNG’s pivotal role in the nation’s energy sustainability and security, with the aim of elevating natural gas’s share in the power generation mix to 26 percent by 2040.

LNG offers notable environmental advantages over conventional fossil fuels, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, combating climate change, enhancing air quality, and promoting public health, positioning it as a transitional fuel towards a renewable energy future.

This initiative is also in sync with the Philippines’ target to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent by 2030.

The collaborative effort among the three power giants epitomises a shared dedication to innovation, reliability, and environmental stewardship in the energy sphere.

By pooling their collective expertise and resources, the joint venture assures the provision of reliable and competitively priced energy, thus bolstering economic prosperity while safeguarding the environment.

For more information visit : aboitizpower.com

New Fortress Energy Inc. has made a significant stride in its operations with the successful commissioning of its 6 MTPA (300 TBtu) Barcarena LNG terminal situated in Pará, Brazil. The company, commonly referred to as NFE, celebrated this milestone alongside key stakeholders, including the state government of Pará and the Ministry of Mines and Energy for Brazil, during a special event held on-site. Among the dignitaries present were Helder Barbalho, the Governor of Pará, and Alexandre Silveira, the Minister of Mines and Energy for Brazil.

Strategically positioned at the mouth of the Amazon River, NFE’s Barcarena LNG terminal serves as the primary natural gas supply hub in the state of Pará and the broader North region of Brazil. This facility, comprising an offshore terminal and Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) named Energos Celsius, is poised to cater to various industrial consumers. Notably, it has entered into a 15-year contract with Norsk Hydro’s Alunorte refinery, the largest alumina refinery globally, to supply LNG. By transitioning to natural gas, the refinery anticipates a significant reduction in annual CO2 emissions, aligning with Norsk Hydro’s commitment to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent before 2030.

Moreover, the Barcarena terminal will play a pivotal role in supporting NFE’s own energy ventures. It will provide natural gas to the company’s 630 MW power plant, currently under construction adjacent to the terminal. Progress on the power plant remains promising, with completion anticipated in the third quarter of 2025. Additionally, NFE is poised to expand its energy complex by an additional 1.6 GW under the New Power Project PPA, leveraging existing infrastructure in Barcarena. Regulatory approvals are underway for the acquisition of a permitted site adjacent to the terminal, with closure expected in the first quarter of 2024.

Wes Edens, chairman and CEO of New Fortress Energy, expressed pride in the Barcarena complex, highlighting its pivotal role in NFE’s integrated LNG-to-power business model. He underscored the company’s commitment to supporting Brazil’s decarbonisation efforts, fostering economic growth, and enhancing energy security in the region. With the Barcarena terminal now operational, NFE is poised to bolster its position as a key player in the energy landscape of Brazil and beyond.

For more information please visitwww.ir.newfortressenergy.com

EnLink Midstream (NYSE: ENLC) explores expanded role with ExxonMobil in Gulf coast carbon capture and sequestration Initiatives.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency highlights the Gulf Coast as a significant emitter of industrial carbon dioxide, with over 215 million metric tonnes per year generated in key areas such as the Houston Ship Channel, the Mississippi River Corridor, and others. EnLink and ExxonMobil are dedicated to offering cost-effective and efficient carbon capture and storage solutions to industries in these regions, fostering a strategic partnership to address emissions effectively.

Jesse Arenivas, CEO of EnLink, emphasises their commitment to developing reliable CCS solutions, leveraging EnLink’s extensive experience in midstream operations to provide flexible and customer-focused options for CO2 emitters. EnLink’s expertise in CO2 pipeline transportation complements ExxonMobil’s leading CCS solutions, ensuring efficient CO2 transportation across the Gulf Coast.

Dan Ammann, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, underscores their collaboration with EnLink to enhance CCS transportation, aiming to reduce carbon emissions effectively. With the acquisition of Denbury, ExxonMobil is evaluating competitive CCS solutions, while reassessing joint projects like the Pecan Island Area project to prioritise opportunities that align with market dynamics and emission reduction goals.

EnLink Midstream, a Dallas-based company, focuses on integrated midstream infrastructure services, including CO2 transportation for CCS, in key production basins and demand centers. Forward-looking statements caution that actual outcomes may differ from expectations due to various factors, highlighting the importance of ongoing evaluation and risk management in such projects.

For more information visit investors.enlink.com

For more information visit www.stanlowterminals.co.uk

Liquid and gas engineering solution organisation, Flotech Performance Systems Ltd., is proud to announce an enhanced strategic partnership with Woodfield Systems International. Under this new agreement, Flotech will serve as the UK Master Distributor for all marine loading arms, distribution loading arms, and spares.

Flotech will collaborate closely with the Woodfield team to provide unparalleled services, including site installation, commissioning, and support for all existing and new marine loading arm and distribution loading arm installations in the UK.

Tom Sadler, commercial director at Flotech, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership harnesses the global expertise and century-long legacy of Woodfield Systems, seamlessly integrating with Flotech’s local capabilities to deliver excellence across the board. We are exceptionally thrilled about the prospects this partnership brings, enhancing our range of high-quality products and after-sales services.”

He added, “The synergy with Woodfield, combined with the local capabilities of Flotech, expands our strong product offering and bolsters our collective capacity to cater to the needs of all our valued customers in the UK and European markets.”

For more information visit www.flotechps.com

Burckhardt Compression AG has been chosen by a global leader in industrial gas services to supply three high-performance, vertical, oil-free H2 compressors for a state-of-the-art hydrogen trailer filling facility in Northwestern Europe. The initiative aims to bolster the region’s green energy capabilities and highlights the growing importance of sustainable fuel alternatives.

The 450-bar hydrogen compressor packages, designed for high efficiency and reliability, can supply 250 kg/h of hydrogen. This capacity significantly enhances the operational efficiency of hydrogen fueling stations, filling approximately 35 cars or up to 8 trucks per hour. Equipped with Burckhardt Compression’s BC REDURA^® and PERSISTO^® oil-free sealing ring system technologies, these compressors will be delivered as single lift units, simplifying installation and maintenance processes.

Hydrogen Trailer Filling Facilities play a crucial role in the hydrogen fuel supply chain, enabling efficient distribution to fueling stations across various locations. Burckhardt Compression’s expertise in oil-free hydrogen compression solutions positions it as a key player in advancing sustainable mobility solutions.

Andreas Brautsch, president of the systems division of Burckhardt Compression, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this groundbreaking project, stating, “We are honoured to be selected for this significant initiative. Our commitment to innovation and excellence in compression technology, coupled with our extensive experience in hydrogen applications, positions us to play a pivotal role in the global shift towards sustainable mobility solutions.”

This project underscores Burckhardt Compression’s leadership in industrial gas services and represents a major step forward in hydrogen infrastructure development, promising a cleaner, greener future for transportation across Europe and beyond.

For more information visit www.burckhardtcompression.com

An ambitious joint venture between EMC Cement and HES International aims to revolutionise the cement industry with a groundbreaking all-electric, zero-emissions plant. Set to have an initial capacity of 1.2 million metric tonnes, the plant will drastically reduce CO2 emissions by 1 million metric tonnes annually, utilising less than 10 percent of the energy of a conventional Portland cement plant.

The project will harness industrially-proven EMC technology, leveraging a unique form of’mechanical activation’ to enable the use of abundant all-natural volcanic ash (EMC volcanics) to substitute 70 percent of the Portland cement used in concrete. Additionally, the facility will process end-of-life concrete fines and other minerals, contributing to a sustainable circular economy.

Operating with a commitment to environmental stewardship, the plant will produce no waste or biohazards and will comply with all noise and dust emissions regulations.

Not only will EMC Volcanics meet stringent construction standards in the Netherlands and internationally, but it will also address various concrete durability challenges, including sulphate resistance and chloride attack.

Expected to be operational in Q4 2025/Q1 2026, the plant will be strategically located at HES’ Bulk Terminal at the Port of Amsterdam, providing direct access to multiple transportation systems. This strategic positioning will facilitate broad national and international distribution, supporting markets in Belgium, the U.K., France, Germany, and Scandinavia.

Atle Lygren, CEO and co-founder of EMC, highlighted the project’s significance in driving effective climate action. By replacing a significant portion of Portland cement with EMC Volcanics, the project aligns with global initiatives for carbon reduction without the need for costly CCS technology.

Jeroen van der Neut, COO of HES, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasising its alignment with HES’ strategic goals and dedication to environmental, social, and governance targets.

Roon van Maanen, director of energy and circular industry at the Port of Amsterdam, commended the project’s contribution to the port’s transition to a carbon-neutral future, marking it as a benchmark for future sustainable initiatives.

For more information visit: www.hesinternational.eu

For more information visit www.evos.eu

For more information visit www.marathonpetroleum.com

Unifly, a subsidiary of Terra Drone Corporation and a leading provider of Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management solutions, has announced its pivotal involvement in the €12 million EUREKA project initiated by the SESAR Joint Undertaking in June 2023. Led by EUROCONTROL, this groundbreaking initiative aims to seamlessly integrate air mobility into urban landscapes by 2026, addressing the growing need for efficient, sustainable, and interconnected transportation solutions.

The EUREKA project aims to revolutionise urban transportation by establishing a network of vertiports—specialised hubs for electric vertical take-off and landing  aircraft inside European airspace—connecting urban areas and facilitating swift and eco-friendly transportation. The project boasts 35 participants, including airport providers, air navigation service providers, U-space service providers , UAM manufacturers, and other stakeholders.

Focused on developing four essential SESAR solutions, the project includes Arrival/Departure Procedures to/From Vertiports, which encompasses route and trajectory planning; Vertiport Collaborative Traffic Management, aimed at optimising resource utilisation and capacity allocation; Vertiport disruption and emergency management, ensuring preparedness for unforeseen circumstances; and Vertiport network flow, capacity, and operational management, enabling efficient coordination across the vertiport network.

Unifly holds a pivotal role in the EUREKA project, occupying a unique position within the Vertiport Collaborative Traffic Management initiative. Leveraging its expertise, Unifly is tasked with integrating vertiports into its UTM solution. The project will utilise certified unmanned Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft for cargo operations to validate VCTM at strategic, pre-tactical, and tactical levels, covering all VTOL flight segments.

Validation and demonstration activities are scheduled between March 2024 and December 2025, with live trials taking place in the controlled airspace between Mallorca and the Menorca Islands (Spain), within active LEPA and LEMH airports.

Andres Van Swalm, CEO of Unifly, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The EUREKA project represents a significant milestone in the evolution of UAM, and Unifly is proud to be at the forefront of this transformative initiative. Our UTM solutions will contribute to creating a harmonious and efficient airspace, laying the foundation for the widespread adoption of UAM and revolutionising the way people and goods move within cities.”

For more information visit terra-drone.net

Square Robot Inc. has reached a significant milestone with the successful completion of material compatibility tests, demonstrating that their SR-3 robot is capable of conducting efficient inspections in both Paraxylene and Hexyl Carbitol environments. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to advancing inspection technologies across diverse industrial settings.

With this accomplishment, Square Robot’s range of capabilities continues to expand. Already compatible with over 40 different products, the SR-1 and SR-3 robots offer versatile solutions for various inspection needs. Whether it’s for routine maintenance or in-service API 653 inspections, Square Robot’s technology is well-equipped to meet the demands of tank inspection requirements.

By ensuring compatibility with a wide range of substances, Square Robot Inc. reaffirms its dedication to providing reliable and adaptable inspection solutions to industries worldwide. This latest development further solidifies the company’s position as a leader in robotic inspection technology.

For more information visit www.squarerobots.com

Exolum, a leading energy infrastructure company, is pleased to announce that its Tees Valley hydrogen vehicle ecosystem project has received a grant of over £3 million from the UK Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. This grant, awarded under the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund competition, will facilitate the construction of a 5 MW water electrolyser capable of producing up to 2 tonnes/day of green hydrogen specifically for the mobility sector.

In addition to the electrolyser, the broader project encompasses the establishment of a large-scale hydrogen refuelling station and the initial deployment of 25 hydrogen-powered heavy goods vehicles. These initiatives have received support from the UK Department for Transport’s Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub competition.

The Tees Valley Hydrogen Vehicle Ecosystem project reflects Exolum’s commitment to diversifying its portfolio and aligning with the energy transition objectives. By investing in projects geared towards decarbonisation, Exolum is actively contributing to the sector’s sustainability goals.

For more information visit exolum.com

Cepsa and Bio-Oils, a subsidiary of Apical, are beginning construction of the largest second-generation biofuels plant in southern Europe. This facility, which will flexibly produce 500,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel (hydrogenated vegetable oil or HVO) annually, will allow the joint venture formed by both companies to double its current production capacity. The new 2G biofuels plant, along with the existing facilities operated by Cepsa and Bio-Oils in Huelva, Spain, will form the second largest renewable fuel complex in Europe, with a total production capacity of 1 million tonnes per annum.

The new facility is expected to be operational in 2026 and will be built in Palos de la Frontera (Huelva), next to La Rábida Energy Park. Its development involves a 1.2-billion-euro investment and the creation of 2,000 direct and indirect jobs during the construction and operation phases.

The start of construction of this project was celebrated today at a ceremony attended by Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, president of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Teresa Ribera, Third vice-president and minister for the ecological transition and the demographic challenge, Maarten Wetselaar, CEO of Cepsa, Anderson Tanoto, managing director, RGE, which manages a group of resource-based manufacturing companies including Apical and Bio-Oils, and Pratheepan Karunagaran, executive director of Apical.

Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla said: “Andalusia is ready to become Europe’s major producer and distributor of clean energy, playing a key role in the irrevocable goal of decarbonising the planet. This future biofuel plant by Cepsa is a clear and valuable example, a project included in our Project Accelerator Unit, allowing it to be processed in just six months, less than half of what is usually required.”

Teresa Ribera stated: “It is not enough to just change the colour of molecules or electrons; the industries behind them, the services behind them, are a great opportunity to re-industrialise and modernise our productive fabric. That is why we want to include the industrial value chain in the change process and why we want to dedicate more than 750 million euros to this programme, ensuring that the heavy goods needed for success are produced in Spain.”

Maarten Wetselaar noted: “Today we are breaking ground on our second-generation biofuels plant, the first major milestone of our positive motion strategy. This strategic project for Spain and Andalusia will make us a European benchmark in the field of green molecules and facilitate the immediate decarbonization of sectors that cannot run on electrons, like aviation. This is the start of a new chapter for Cepsa and this region that will generate quality employment and a new era of industrialisation.”

Pratheepan Karunagaran explained: “The global production of SAF is expected to triple in 2024, compared to the 2023 levels, reaching 1.5 million tons. Yet, the availability of sustainably available feedstock remains a challenge for many countries. As we continue to expand Apical’s global footprint and capacities, the availability of waste and residue is set to grow in tandem, enabling value-added partnerships to be forged for our waste stream to drive the production and adoption of SAF. Our 2G biofuels plant with Cepsa, which will be the largest aviation fuel processing facility in southern Europe, is an excellent example of how industry players can come together to unlock the potential of SAF and scale up adoption in an affordable manner.”

This new plant, which will be built with the latest technology for the production of renewable fuels, will have a minimal environmental impact. Thanks to the consumption of renewable hydrogen, 100 percent renewable electricity and different heat recovery and energy efficiency systems, this facility will emit 75 percent less CO2 than a traditional biofuel plant and is designed to achieve net zero emissions in the medium term. Likewise, it will not consume fresh water, but will only use reclaimed water, and its water emissions will have a minimal impact on the ecosystem thanks to a powerful water treatment plant. The facility will also be digitally native and will incorporate the latest advances for the industry in artificial intelligence, internet of things, and data analysis.

This facility will enable the development of other key projects to reposition Spain and Andalusia in the international energy landscape. In addition to SAF and renewable diesel, the plant will also produce biogas, a fundamental raw material for the production of green hydrogen, essential for the decarbonisation of industry such as this very plant or the energy park alongside it, or for the production of fertilisers. Additionally, another product is captured from the treatment of biogas – biogenic CO2 – which is essential for the production of green methanol to decarbonise maritime transport. As such, this project is a key element of the entire Andalusian Green Hydrogen Valley ecosystem being led by Cepsa.

The initial work for the development of these facilities will focus on earthmoving and land improvements, urbanisation, and infrastructure foundation, as well as the start of marine construction at the southern pier of the Port of Huelva given that the project also encompasses the development of auxiliary facilities in the port necessary for its operation.

The new plant will secure the majority of its raw material supply from organic waste such as agricultural waste and used cooking oils through a global, long-term agreement with Apical, enabling it to address one of the main challenges facing the industry: access to raw materials. 2G biofuels promote the circular economy by using waste for their production that would otherwise be discarded or end up in landfills.

Compared to traditional fuels, the renewable fuels developed in this complex by Cepsa and Bio-Oils will prevent the emission of 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, equivalent to 4 percent of road transport emissions in Spain.

The construction of this facility will involve the installation of 590 kilometers of pipelines (more than the distance separating the cities of Huelva and Madrid) and 1,400 kilometers of cable (almost the distance between Huelva and Paris).

Committed to the energy transition

Biofuels are a present-day solution to accelerate the decarbonisation of transportation, a sector that currently accounts for 15 percent of global CO2 emissions. They are a strategic technology for achieving an immediate energy transition that can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent compared to traditional fuels, making them a key element in promoting the decarbonisation of land, sea, and air transportation.

As part of its 2030 Positive Motion strategy, Cepsa is driving the development of an ecosystem focused on accelerating its own decarbonization and that of its customers through the production of green molecules, mainly renewable hydrogen (and its derivatives) and 2G biofuels, to become a leader of the energy transition. The creation of one of the largest renewable fuel complexes in Europe is part of Cepsa’s goal of leading 2G biofuel production in Spain and Portugal. Under that plan, the Company is developing an annual production capacity of 2.5 million tonnes of biofuels this decade, of which 800,000 tonnes will be SAF, enough sustainable jet fuel to fly across the planet 2,000 times. Since 2022, Cepsa has been producing and marketing 2G biofuels to its customers in the aviation, maritime, and land sectors. Last year it became the first company to permanently offer SAF (produced in its facilities from agricultural waste and used cooking oils) at five of Spain’s main airports: Madrid, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Seville and Malaga. In addition, the energy company also offers these biofuels in 60 Spanish ports.

Operating at the forefront of the bioeconomy, Apical is well-positioned to accelerate energy transition through embracing circularity as a core pillar of its sustainable business strategy. By implementing a waste-to-value approach, the company optimizes its integrated supply chain to access broad range of agricultural waste and residues feedstock and upcycle them into renewable fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel through this new state-of-the-art biofuels plant.

For more information visit www.cepsa.com

For more information visit www.aramco.com

Aramco, a leading integrated energy and chemicals company, has taken significant steps in its strategic localization programme by finalising 40 corporate procurement agreements valued at $6 billion with suppliers within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

These agreements are designed to bolster Aramco’s domestic supply chain ecosystem, reinforcing the company’s resilience, reliability, and ability to cater to the changing demands of its clientele. They also offer suppliers long-term visibility into demand, empowering them to seize future growth opportunities and further the localisation agenda.

Moreover, these initiatives align with the goals of Aramco’s iktva programme, the company’s flagship initiative aimed at fostering economic growth and generating new prospects for Saudi nationals.

Wail Al Jaafari, Aramco executive vice president of technical services, highlighted the significance of these agreements, stating, “The 40 new agreements signed today are expected to contribute to the domestic value chain and enhance the ecosystem that Aramco is cultivating. These agreements propel us towards a more prosperous, diverse, and resilient supply chain, ensuring business continuity. They also mark a pivotal milestone in our iktva journey, offering our partners the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic and increasingly diversified operational landscape.”

Encompassing various sectors, these new corporate procurement agreements encompass the supply of a wide range of products, including critical commodities such as instrumentation, electrical equipment, and drilling equipment. Additionally, Aramco has entered into two Memoranda of Understanding with strategic partners to foster collaboration on localisation and supply chain development.

For more information visit www.aramco.com