Infrastructure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given its nod to the Texas GulfLink (TGL) Deepwater Port Project, a venture proposed by Texas GulfLink Holdings, a subsidiary of Sentinel Midstream LLC, intended to facilitate crude oil exports from the U.S. coast.

Exxon Mobil has agreed to sell its oil and gas assets in Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale formation to Pluspetrol, including five blocks in Neuquen province and its stake in pipeline operator Oldelval.

Argentina launched the Northern Natural Gas Pipeline to enhance domestic supply from the Vaca Muerta shale field, aiming to end reliance on Bolivian imports and potentially enable exports to nearby countries.

LyondellBasell Industries plans to permanently close its 263,776 bpd Houston refinery in early 2025, citing long-term shifts in fuel demand amid rising renewable energy and electric vehicle adoption. The closure adds to a wave of U.S. refinery shutdowns as the industry adapts to changing market conditions.

Canadian Natural Resources will reduce natural gas drilling in 2024 as weak prices persist, despite stronger-than-expected third-quarter profits driven by oil sands production.

Risk models are prominent pipeline integrity management (PIM) tools used to make data-driven decisions. As computing power has increased and data acquisition methods have proliferated, risk models have become more complex.

Creating an innovation platform requires an environment that encourages rapid adoption of industrial changes and an innovative mindset that never mistakes activity for progress.

Tokyo Gas is in talks with Woodside Energy to acquire a stake in the Louisiana LNG project, an ambitious U.S. Gulf Coast facility poised to convert U.S. shale gas into LNG for export. This potential investment aligns with Tokyo Gas’ strategy to secure long-term U.S. gas supplies.

ONEOK, Inc. announced the completion of its $2.6 billion acquisition of Medallion Midstream, the largest privately held crude oil gathering and transportation system in the Permian Basin's Midland region, from Global Infrastructure Partners.

Ecopetrol has halted operations on a pipeline transporting oil from the Cira Infantas field in Colombia after an explosive attack caused an oil spill. While no injuries were reported, the incident has resulted in environmental damage, highlighting the ongoing threats to oil operations in the region.

Valero Energy Corp. is evaluating various options for its two California refineries, including potential sales, in response to increasing regulatory pressures in the state. CEO Lane Riggs indicated that "all options are on the table," highlighting the challenges faced by refiners in California.

ConocoPhillips is exploring the sale of over $1 billion in Permian shale assets, part of its strategy to streamline operations ahead of its Marathon Oil acquisition. The Houston-based oil and gas producer aims to raise $2 billion through asset sales.

U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports could face setbacks if Donald Trump wins the election and imposes a proposed 60% tariff on Chinese imports, analysts say. The move may lead to trade tensions and reduce demand for U.S. LNG from China, affecting export growth.

U.S. imports of Canadian crude hit a record 4.3 million barrels per day in July 2024, spurred by the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The new capacity boosts exports from Alberta to the U.S. West Coast and Pacific markets, impacting Western Canadian Select prices amid evolving refinery demand.

EQT Corp. has agreed to sell its remaining Pennsylvania natural gas assets to Equinor for $1.25 billion, with proceeds aimed at reducing debt following its recent pipeline acquisition. The transaction also expands Equinor’s U.S. production footprint in the Marcellus shale.