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RELEASED ON 28/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
It must be a new season of sharing as major automakers sign agreements to co-develop fuel cell technology. Last week Toyota and BMW said they would work together on a fuel cell system, while today Ford, Daimler, and Renault-Nissan announced they would pool research into fuel cell technology. In their joint press release, Ford, Daimler, and Renault-Nissan said they would produce fuel cell vehicles in 2017.
All of these companies have been working on the technology, and some have demonstrated prototype vehicles. Mercedes-Benz, part of Daimler, has been testing multiple generations of its F-Cell fuel cell vehicle, and currently runs a leasing program for the vehicles in Los Angeles, helping it gather real-world usage data.
The Toyota-BMW agreement covers the joint development of a fuel cell stack, hydrogen tank, and electric motor for a car. The companies will also work on new lithium-air battery technology, with the goal of greatly increasing the energy density of electric vehicle batteries.
From its past demonstration of a Highlander model powered by fuel cell technology, it seems as if Toyota has conducted more research than BMW. As such, this agreement may amount to trading and licensing different technologies between the two companies.
Ford, Renault-Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz have all demonstrated working fuel cell vehicles. Most recently, Nissan said it could produce cars today using the fuel cell system in the Terra SUV concept it showed at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.
Given the advanced state of fuel cell development between these three companies, it is difficult to see the advantages of joint development. The underlying goal most likely concerns making the fuel cell hardware affordable and able to endure everyday usage.
Fuel cell cars are essentially electric vehicles, with motors driving the wheels. The fuel cell stack generates electricity from the reaction when hydrogen and oxygen molecules combine. The electricity from the fuel cell powers the car's electric drive motors. The hydrogen is stored under high pressure, up to 10,000 psi, in tanks.
The advantage of a hydrogen fuel cell stack over a battery pack is that the hydrogen tanks can be filled more quickly than a battery pack can be charged, and that hydrogen allows for more energy storage in cars, giving them greater range than current electric vehicles.
However, very little hydrogen fueling infrastructure exists today, and hydrogen production would need to be scaled up to meet the needs of motorists.
SOURCE CNET News
It must be a new season of sharing as major automakers sign agreements to co-develop fuel cell technology. Last week Toyota and BMW said they would work together on a fuel cell system, while today Ford, Daimler, and Renault-Nissan announced they would pool research into fuel cell technology. In their joint press release, Ford, Daimler, and Renault-Nissan said they would produce fuel cell vehicles in 2017.
All of these companies have been working on the technology, and some have demonstrated prototype vehicles. Mercedes-Benz, part of Daimler, has been testing multiple generations of its F-Cell fuel cell vehicle, and currently runs a leasing program for the vehicles in Los Angeles, helping it gather real-world usage data.
The Toyota-BMW agreement covers the joint development of a fuel cell stack, hydrogen tank, and electric motor for a car. The companies will also work on new lithium-air battery technology, with the goal of greatly increasing the energy density of electric vehicle batteries.
From its past demonstration of a Highlander model powered by fuel cell technology, it seems as if Toyota has conducted more research than BMW. As such, this agreement may amount to trading and licensing different technologies between the two companies.
Ford, Renault-Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz have all demonstrated working fuel cell vehicles. Most recently, Nissan said it could produce cars today using the fuel cell system in the Terra SUV concept it showed at the 2012 Paris Motor Show.
Given the advanced state of fuel cell development between these three companies, it is difficult to see the advantages of joint development. The underlying goal most likely concerns making the fuel cell hardware affordable and able to endure everyday usage.
Fuel cell cars are essentially electric vehicles, with motors driving the wheels. The fuel cell stack generates electricity from the reaction when hydrogen and oxygen molecules combine. The electricity from the fuel cell powers the car's electric drive motors. The hydrogen is stored under high pressure, up to 10,000 psi, in tanks.
The advantage of a hydrogen fuel cell stack over a battery pack is that the hydrogen tanks can be filled more quickly than a battery pack can be charged, and that hydrogen allows for more energy storage in cars, giving them greater range than current electric vehicles.
However, very little hydrogen fueling infrastructure exists today, and hydrogen production would need to be scaled up to meet the needs of motorists.
SOURCE CNET News
RELEASED ON 30/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
Leading South Korean LPG importer/seller SK GAS Ltd. said Tuesday it will construct a propylene manufacturing plant (propane dehydrogenation or PHD) with a production capacity of 600,000 mt per year in Ulsan southeast of the Korean capital Seoul with an investment of $890 million. It aims to put the plant into operation in 2016. This was revealed in a filing with the Korean Exchange (KRX).
With the production of propylene, SK GAS expects synergy effects from expansion of its business scope and the existing LPG business. Assuming propylene it produces will be priced at $1,450 per mt, the company projects $9.8 billion in annual sales of propylene and byproducts. As to feedstock propane, it plans to import relatively low-priced LPG derived from shale gas that is produced in the U.S.
E1, South Korea's second-largest LPG importer/seller, in November 2012 signed a long-term contract to purchase 180,000 mt per year of LPG from Enterprise Products Partners of the U.S. from 2014.
SK GAS owns and operates LPG terminals with a combined capacity of 470,000 mt in Pyeongtaek and Ulsan. The Ulsan terminal, completed in 1988, represents the world's largest underground storage facility with storage capacity of 270,000 mt, capable of stockpiling 140,000 mt of propane and 130,000 mt of butane. Meanwhile, the Pyeongtaek terminal is capable of storing 140,000 mt of propane and 60,000 mt of butane for a total of 200,000 mt.
SOURCE RIM Intelligence through FACTIVA News
Leading South Korean LPG importer/seller SK GAS Ltd. said Tuesday it will construct a propylene manufacturing plant (propane dehydrogenation or PHD) with a production capacity of 600,000 mt per year in Ulsan southeast of the Korean capital Seoul with an investment of $890 million. It aims to put the plant into operation in 2016. This was revealed in a filing with the Korean Exchange (KRX).
With the production of propylene, SK GAS expects synergy effects from expansion of its business scope and the existing LPG business. Assuming propylene it produces will be priced at $1,450 per mt, the company projects $9.8 billion in annual sales of propylene and byproducts. As to feedstock propane, it plans to import relatively low-priced LPG derived from shale gas that is produced in the U.S.
E1, South Korea's second-largest LPG importer/seller, in November 2012 signed a long-term contract to purchase 180,000 mt per year of LPG from Enterprise Products Partners of the U.S. from 2014.
SK GAS owns and operates LPG terminals with a combined capacity of 470,000 mt in Pyeongtaek and Ulsan. The Ulsan terminal, completed in 1988, represents the world's largest underground storage facility with storage capacity of 270,000 mt, capable of stockpiling 140,000 mt of propane and 130,000 mt of butane. Meanwhile, the Pyeongtaek terminal is capable of storing 140,000 mt of propane and 60,000 mt of butane for a total of 200,000 mt.
SOURCE RIM Intelligence through FACTIVA News
RELEASED ON 29/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
On February 14th the all-new 2014 Nissan Versa Note, Resonance Concept and JUKE NISMO will make their national debuts at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto (CIAS). The Versa Note 4-door hatchback, with segment-exclusive technology, outstanding fuel economy, smart packaging and class-leading cargo space, is the fourth of five new models launched by Nissan over 15 months. The Nissan Resonance concept signals the direction of future Nissan crossovers, and the JUKE NISMO is at the forefront of NISMO’s new brand strategy. [...] The all-wheel drive Resonance concept also features an efficient hybrid electric drivetrain that includes Nissan's proprietary "one-motor, two-clutch" system, which combines a smaller displacement internal combustion gasoline engine with an electric motor/lithium-ion battery and advanced management system.
SOURCE NissanNews.com
On February 14th the all-new 2014 Nissan Versa Note, Resonance Concept and JUKE NISMO will make their national debuts at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto (CIAS). The Versa Note 4-door hatchback, with segment-exclusive technology, outstanding fuel economy, smart packaging and class-leading cargo space, is the fourth of five new models launched by Nissan over 15 months. The Nissan Resonance concept signals the direction of future Nissan crossovers, and the JUKE NISMO is at the forefront of NISMO’s new brand strategy. [...] The all-wheel drive Resonance concept also features an efficient hybrid electric drivetrain that includes Nissan's proprietary "one-motor, two-clutch" system, which combines a smaller displacement internal combustion gasoline engine with an electric motor/lithium-ion battery and advanced management system.
SOURCE NissanNews.com
RELEASED ON 30/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
Wanxiang Group has stated that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CIFUS) has approved its application to acquire A123 Systems. Wanxiang defeated Johnson Control and NEC in the bankruptcy auction by bidding USD256.6 million to take over all of the assets under A123 Systems except for the company's government and military business.
Significance: Established in 2001 and listed on NASDAQ in 2009, A123 Systems was once the largest lithium-ion battery manufacturer with the most advanced technology in the United States. However, weakened demand in the US new-energy vehicle (NEV) market put the company under huge economic pressure, and the battery recall in March 2012 plunged it into crisis. Wanxiang Group is the largest auto-parts manufacturer in China. It began working in energy research in 1999, specifically in the lithium-ion battery and electric powertrain segments. Lu Guanqiu, chairman of the board of Wanxiang Group, has stated his reasons for wanting the two companies to merge, stating to local media that the A123 team of engineers and advanced LiFePO4 battery technology are the two major reasons for the acquisition. A123 Systems filed for bankruptcy protection on 16 October 2012; Wanxiang won the auction on 1 December after Kevin Carvey, a bankruptcy judge in Delaware, announced the approval of the acquisition; and CIFUS announced its approval of the acquisition on 28 January 2013.
SOURCE IHS
RELATED STORIES
Johnson Controls still wants A123
Wanxiang Group has stated that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CIFUS) has approved its application to acquire A123 Systems. Wanxiang defeated Johnson Control and NEC in the bankruptcy auction by bidding USD256.6 million to take over all of the assets under A123 Systems except for the company's government and military business.
Significance: Established in 2001 and listed on NASDAQ in 2009, A123 Systems was once the largest lithium-ion battery manufacturer with the most advanced technology in the United States. However, weakened demand in the US new-energy vehicle (NEV) market put the company under huge economic pressure, and the battery recall in March 2012 plunged it into crisis. Wanxiang Group is the largest auto-parts manufacturer in China. It began working in energy research in 1999, specifically in the lithium-ion battery and electric powertrain segments. Lu Guanqiu, chairman of the board of Wanxiang Group, has stated his reasons for wanting the two companies to merge, stating to local media that the A123 team of engineers and advanced LiFePO4 battery technology are the two major reasons for the acquisition. A123 Systems filed for bankruptcy protection on 16 October 2012; Wanxiang won the auction on 1 December after Kevin Carvey, a bankruptcy judge in Delaware, announced the approval of the acquisition; and CIFUS announced its approval of the acquisition on 28 January 2013.
SOURCE IHS
RELATED STORIES
Johnson Controls still wants A123
RELEASED ON 30/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
Monsanto Co. (MON) has bought assets from a California-based company that is using microbes to improve crop production.
Monsanto also said that it has made an equity investment in Synthetic Genomics Inc. and that the two companies reached a multiyear agricultural research agreement.
The purchase of assets from Agradis, which Synthetic Genomics co-founded in 2011, includes the collection of microbes as well as the company's name. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
The assets build upon Monsanto's agricultural biological platform, called BioDirect, launched last year. Agricultural biologicals generally refer to seed or crop treatments derived from natural materials.
Agradis has said its work includes research for corn and wheat to develop products that promote growth and protect against pests.
"Agradis' collection of plant associated microbes will support Monsanto's efforts to provide farmers with sustainable biological products to improve crop health and productivity," said Steve Padgette, head of Monsanto's research and development investment strategy.
Agradis assets not bought by Monsanto include castor and sorghum technologies, as well as a new product used to prevent fungus on fruits and vegetables.
SOURCE Factiva News - For internal use only
RELEASED ON 25/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a solid electrolyte to replace flammable ones used in lithium-ion batteries.
Safer, cheaper batteries are needed to make electric vehicles competitive.
Battery protection: This micrograph shows a powdery material that has a nanostructure (far right) that improves its conductivity.
An electrolyte developed by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory could enable lithium-ion batteries that store five to 10 times more energy and are safer than the ones that recently caught fire on Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.
While the cause of the Boeing fire hasn’t yet been determined, Boeing could have reduced the risk of fire by choosing a safer electrode chemistry (see “Grounded Boeing 787 Dreamliners Use Batteries Prone to Overheating”). But it would have had fewer options for the electrolyte—the material that allows current to flow through a battery. Lithium-ion batteries, even the ones that use relatively safe electrodes, still use flammable liquid electrolytes.
Solid electrolytes would be much safer, but it’s been difficult to make them conductive enough for use in batteries. The ORNL researchers, in work published in the current issue of the Journal of the American Chemistry Society, have an easy method for making a nanostructured form of one solid electrolyte. The nanostructure improves the material’s conductivity 1,000 times, enough to make it useful in lithium-ion batteries. The researchers also showed that the new material is compatible with high-energy electrodes.
The solid electrolyte isn’t as conductive as liquid electrolytes, but the researchers say they can compensate for this by making the electrolyte very thin, among other measures. Even then, the batteries might not charge as quickly or provide the same boost of power possible with liquid electrolytes, but this would be okay in many applications, such as in electric cars, where the sheer number of battery cells makes it easy to deliver adequate bursts of power.
The solid electrolyte not only makes batteries safer, it could also enable the use of higher energy electrode materials. As a result, while the rate at which these batteries deliver power may be less than today’s lithium-ion batteries, the total amount of energy they can store would be far higher. A much smaller battery could then be used—saving space and weight on airplanes and greatly reducing the cost of electric vehicles.
The solid electrolyte might be particularly suited to lithium-sulfur batteries, which can store a lot of energy, but have safety issues and can’t be recharged enough times to last the life of a car (see “Nanostructures Boost Battery Life Fivefold”). The lithium-metal electrodes can cause battery shorts and fires. The solid electrolyte helps stabilize the lithium metal and serves as a barrier to prevent shorts. The sulfur electrodes in these batteries also degrade when used with liquid electrolytes—some of the sulfur can be dissolved in the liquid and lost. The solid electrolyte prevents that.
The work is still at an early stage. So far, the researchers have only made small, half-inch test cells, And the results demonstrating the compatibility with lithium-sulfur batteries are still unpublished.
SOURCE technologyreview.com
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a solid electrolyte to replace flammable ones used in lithium-ion batteries.
Safer, cheaper batteries are needed to make electric vehicles competitive.
Battery protection: This micrograph shows a powdery material that has a nanostructure (far right) that improves its conductivity.
An electrolyte developed by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory could enable lithium-ion batteries that store five to 10 times more energy and are safer than the ones that recently caught fire on Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.
While the cause of the Boeing fire hasn’t yet been determined, Boeing could have reduced the risk of fire by choosing a safer electrode chemistry (see “Grounded Boeing 787 Dreamliners Use Batteries Prone to Overheating”). But it would have had fewer options for the electrolyte—the material that allows current to flow through a battery. Lithium-ion batteries, even the ones that use relatively safe electrodes, still use flammable liquid electrolytes.
Solid electrolytes would be much safer, but it’s been difficult to make them conductive enough for use in batteries. The ORNL researchers, in work published in the current issue of the Journal of the American Chemistry Society, have an easy method for making a nanostructured form of one solid electrolyte. The nanostructure improves the material’s conductivity 1,000 times, enough to make it useful in lithium-ion batteries. The researchers also showed that the new material is compatible with high-energy electrodes.
The solid electrolyte isn’t as conductive as liquid electrolytes, but the researchers say they can compensate for this by making the electrolyte very thin, among other measures. Even then, the batteries might not charge as quickly or provide the same boost of power possible with liquid electrolytes, but this would be okay in many applications, such as in electric cars, where the sheer number of battery cells makes it easy to deliver adequate bursts of power.
The solid electrolyte not only makes batteries safer, it could also enable the use of higher energy electrode materials. As a result, while the rate at which these batteries deliver power may be less than today’s lithium-ion batteries, the total amount of energy they can store would be far higher. A much smaller battery could then be used—saving space and weight on airplanes and greatly reducing the cost of electric vehicles.
The solid electrolyte might be particularly suited to lithium-sulfur batteries, which can store a lot of energy, but have safety issues and can’t be recharged enough times to last the life of a car (see “Nanostructures Boost Battery Life Fivefold”). The lithium-metal electrodes can cause battery shorts and fires. The solid electrolyte helps stabilize the lithium metal and serves as a barrier to prevent shorts. The sulfur electrodes in these batteries also degrade when used with liquid electrolytes—some of the sulfur can be dissolved in the liquid and lost. The solid electrolyte prevents that.
The work is still at an early stage. So far, the researchers have only made small, half-inch test cells, And the results demonstrating the compatibility with lithium-sulfur batteries are still unpublished.
SOURCE technologyreview.com
RELEASED ON 22/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
The European Commission said Monday it would draw up "stringent" measures to protect bees from dangers attributed to certain pesticides, but pulled back from an anticipated ban.
The European Union executive "will propose a series of ambitious but proportionate legislative measures," said Health and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Tonio Borg.
The official said "rapid and decisive" action would be taken to limit the damage caused by three types of insecticides said by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) earlier this month to pose "disturbing" risks.
But Borg underlined that "a total ban would not be justified."
Bees and other pollinating insects are hugely important for food production, especially of fruit, and "their protection is essential," EFSA said on January 16.
It said the so-called neonicotinoid insecticides in question attack the central nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death.
The Commission said it was writing to manufacturers Bayer, Syngenta and Cruiser OSR seeking action, otherwise it would "take the necessary measures," according to Borg's spokesman at the time.
SOURCE AFP
RELATED STORIES
Report Confirms Essential Value of Neonicotinoid Pesticides for Europe
The European Commission said Monday it would draw up "stringent" measures to protect bees from dangers attributed to certain pesticides, but pulled back from an anticipated ban.
The European Union executive "will propose a series of ambitious but proportionate legislative measures," said Health and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Tonio Borg.
The official said "rapid and decisive" action would be taken to limit the damage caused by three types of insecticides said by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) earlier this month to pose "disturbing" risks.
But Borg underlined that "a total ban would not be justified."
Bees and other pollinating insects are hugely important for food production, especially of fruit, and "their protection is essential," EFSA said on January 16.
It said the so-called neonicotinoid insecticides in question attack the central nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death.
The Commission said it was writing to manufacturers Bayer, Syngenta and Cruiser OSR seeking action, otherwise it would "take the necessary measures," according to Borg's spokesman at the time.
SOURCE AFP
RELATED STORIES
Report Confirms Essential Value of Neonicotinoid Pesticides for Europe
RELEASED ON 29/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
BASF Plant Science is continuing to strengthen its focus on plant biotechnology solutions to achieve higher yield in plants. BASF will expand its fungal resistance research platform by adding corn as a target crop. At the same time, research activities in Nutritionally Enhanced Corn will be stopped and the European approval processes for potato products will be discontinued.
Main focus on yield and stress
BASF will continue to focus on the development of crops that deliver higher yields and improved resistance to stress conditions. A key component of these activities in plant biotechnology is an industry leading collaboration with Monsanto for key row crops such as soybeans and corn. Both companies have jointly developed the first genetically modified drought tolerant corn, Genuity® DroughtGard™ Hybrids, which received approval for cultivation in the U.S. at the end of 2011 and was in Monsanto’s Ground BreakersSM trials in 2012. The full commercialization is expected in 2013/14.
“BASF Plant Science is where innovation yields results. Our ‘Trait Technology Partner’ strategy has proven to be successful. We continue to expand into fields where we can leverage our understanding of a plant’s behavior to achieve more yield through plant biotechnology approaches,” said Peter Eckes, President of BASF Plant Science. The company has partnerships with leading agricultural companies such as Monsanto, Bayer CropScience, Cargill, and KWS, Germany.
Expansion of fungal resistance platform into corn
The new research and development activities for fungal resistant corn will be located at BASF Plant Science’s global headquarters in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina. Field testing sites will be located in North Carolina and in the Midwest region of the United States.
“We will expand our fungal resistance platform into corn because of the attractive long-term market potential as well as the fit to our strategy to deliver more yield. Corn production suffers from severe yield losses triggered by fungal diseases, which have not been successfully addressed by conventional breeding approaches. Both modern chemical crop protection and plant biotechnology can offer solutions to secure yields. In our expanded program, we can build upon our top-quality technology platform for fungal resistance in soybeans in Limburgerhof, Germany,” said Eckes.
Nutritionally Enhanced Corn and potato projects discontinued
As part of a continuous review of the project portfolio for strategic fit and attainment of project milestones, BASF Plant Science will no longer pursue research and development activities into Nutritionally Enhanced Corn in the United States. The company will also discontinue the pursuit of regulatory approvals for the Fortuna, Amadea, and Modena potato projects in Europe because continued investment cannot be justified due to uncertainty in the regulatory environment and threats of field destructions.
The discontinuation of the Nutritionally Enhanced Corn activities will result in the closure of six BASF field sites in Olivia, Minnesota, Henderson, Nebraska, Weldon and Sycamore, Illinois, Estherville, Iowa, and one of two sites in Ames, Iowa. In total, around 40 positions will be eliminated.
SOURCE BASF Official Press Release
BASF Plant Science is continuing to strengthen its focus on plant biotechnology solutions to achieve higher yield in plants. BASF will expand its fungal resistance research platform by adding corn as a target crop. At the same time, research activities in Nutritionally Enhanced Corn will be stopped and the European approval processes for potato products will be discontinued.
Main focus on yield and stress
BASF will continue to focus on the development of crops that deliver higher yields and improved resistance to stress conditions. A key component of these activities in plant biotechnology is an industry leading collaboration with Monsanto for key row crops such as soybeans and corn. Both companies have jointly developed the first genetically modified drought tolerant corn, Genuity® DroughtGard™ Hybrids, which received approval for cultivation in the U.S. at the end of 2011 and was in Monsanto’s Ground BreakersSM trials in 2012. The full commercialization is expected in 2013/14.
“BASF Plant Science is where innovation yields results. Our ‘Trait Technology Partner’ strategy has proven to be successful. We continue to expand into fields where we can leverage our understanding of a plant’s behavior to achieve more yield through plant biotechnology approaches,” said Peter Eckes, President of BASF Plant Science. The company has partnerships with leading agricultural companies such as Monsanto, Bayer CropScience, Cargill, and KWS, Germany.
Expansion of fungal resistance platform into corn
The new research and development activities for fungal resistant corn will be located at BASF Plant Science’s global headquarters in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina. Field testing sites will be located in North Carolina and in the Midwest region of the United States.
“We will expand our fungal resistance platform into corn because of the attractive long-term market potential as well as the fit to our strategy to deliver more yield. Corn production suffers from severe yield losses triggered by fungal diseases, which have not been successfully addressed by conventional breeding approaches. Both modern chemical crop protection and plant biotechnology can offer solutions to secure yields. In our expanded program, we can build upon our top-quality technology platform for fungal resistance in soybeans in Limburgerhof, Germany,” said Eckes.
Nutritionally Enhanced Corn and potato projects discontinued
As part of a continuous review of the project portfolio for strategic fit and attainment of project milestones, BASF Plant Science will no longer pursue research and development activities into Nutritionally Enhanced Corn in the United States. The company will also discontinue the pursuit of regulatory approvals for the Fortuna, Amadea, and Modena potato projects in Europe because continued investment cannot be justified due to uncertainty in the regulatory environment and threats of field destructions.
The discontinuation of the Nutritionally Enhanced Corn activities will result in the closure of six BASF field sites in Olivia, Minnesota, Henderson, Nebraska, Weldon and Sycamore, Illinois, Estherville, Iowa, and one of two sites in Ames, Iowa. In total, around 40 positions will be eliminated.
SOURCE BASF Official Press Release
RELEASED ON 29/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
Nippon Shokubai Co. said Tuesday it has merged two subsidiaries in Singapore to streamline operations.
Nippon Shokubai (Asia) Pte Ltd., the Japanese maker's selling unit of chemical products in Singapore, became the surviving subsidiary after absorbing Singapore Glacial Acrylic Pte Ltd., a maker of glacial acrylic acid for diapers, on Jan. 1.
In 2011, the surviving subsidiary racked up sales of 100.93 million dollars while Singapore Glacial Acrylic booked 75.13 million dollars worth of sales.
SOURCE Kyodo News
Nippon Shokubai Co. said Tuesday it has merged two subsidiaries in Singapore to streamline operations.
Nippon Shokubai (Asia) Pte Ltd., the Japanese maker's selling unit of chemical products in Singapore, became the surviving subsidiary after absorbing Singapore Glacial Acrylic Pte Ltd., a maker of glacial acrylic acid for diapers, on Jan. 1.
In 2011, the surviving subsidiary racked up sales of 100.93 million dollars while Singapore Glacial Acrylic booked 75.13 million dollars worth of sales.
SOURCE Kyodo News
RELEASED ON 29/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
Anqing Petrochemical, a subsidiary of Sinopec, has started production at its new acrylonitrile (ACN) plant.
Located at Anqing, Anhui province in China, the new ACN plant has a production capacity of 130,000 mt/year.
The company started commercial production at the plant on January 28, 2013. The company is likely to achieve on-spec production at the plant on January 31, 2013, according to a Polymerupdate source in China.
SOURCE Polymer Update
RELATED STORIES
China’s Sinopec Anqing delays start-up of new ACN unit to end-Jan
Anqing Petrochemical, a subsidiary of Sinopec, has started production at its new acrylonitrile (ACN) plant.
Located at Anqing, Anhui province in China, the new ACN plant has a production capacity of 130,000 mt/year.
The company started commercial production at the plant on January 28, 2013. The company is likely to achieve on-spec production at the plant on January 31, 2013, according to a Polymerupdate source in China.
SOURCE Polymer Update
RELATED STORIES
China’s Sinopec Anqing delays start-up of new ACN unit to end-Jan
RELEASED ON 29/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
Changqing Agrochemical has built a 500t/a fenoxanil technical production line with the total investment of about USD4.95 million, and it is expected to start operation in the first half year of 2012. In line with the sales plan of Changqing Agrochemical, most of its fenoxanil technical is used to process fenoxanil 20% SC, which is mainly for domestic market, and the rest is exported to overseas market.
In addition, Changqing Agrochemical has also been committed to developing triazole fungicides and strobilurin fungicides, such as epoxiconazole, difenoconazole and trifloxystrobin, three popular fungicides in domestic and overseas market. It is estimated that the sales volume of Changqing Agrochemical's fungicides will rise to some extent in 2012 with the launch of new products to the market. Hopefully, with bright market prospect, these fungicides will become the company's new profit growth point in the near future.
China's demand for bio-fungicides for paint use will increase at CAGR of 9% during 2009-2013, with its current consumption accounting for 35% of Asia's total, reaching 3,175 tonnes in 2008, according to Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney, a consulting firm.
Pesticide in this report refers to a substance or a mixture of substances used to kill pests, diseases and unwanted plants, including various chemical substances used in agricultural industry, with the forms of technical or formulation. In terms of end-use segment, the major pesticide products mainly include: herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and others, such as rodenticides, anti-sprouting products, plant growth regulators and similar products.
SOURCE http://www.prlog.org
Changqing Agrochemical has built a 500t/a fenoxanil technical production line with the total investment of about USD4.95 million, and it is expected to start operation in the first half year of 2012. In line with the sales plan of Changqing Agrochemical, most of its fenoxanil technical is used to process fenoxanil 20% SC, which is mainly for domestic market, and the rest is exported to overseas market.
In addition, Changqing Agrochemical has also been committed to developing triazole fungicides and strobilurin fungicides, such as epoxiconazole, difenoconazole and trifloxystrobin, three popular fungicides in domestic and overseas market. It is estimated that the sales volume of Changqing Agrochemical's fungicides will rise to some extent in 2012 with the launch of new products to the market. Hopefully, with bright market prospect, these fungicides will become the company's new profit growth point in the near future.
China's demand for bio-fungicides for paint use will increase at CAGR of 9% during 2009-2013, with its current consumption accounting for 35% of Asia's total, reaching 3,175 tonnes in 2008, according to Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney, a consulting firm.
Pesticide in this report refers to a substance or a mixture of substances used to kill pests, diseases and unwanted plants, including various chemical substances used in agricultural industry, with the forms of technical or formulation. In terms of end-use segment, the major pesticide products mainly include: herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and others, such as rodenticides, anti-sprouting products, plant growth regulators and similar products.
SOURCE http://www.prlog.org
RELEASED ON 29/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
Tobu Butadiene Co. Ltd is likely to curtail run rates further at its butadiene (BD) plant.
A Polymerupdate source in Japan informed that run rates at the plant are likely to be reduced to 65% of production capacity. The plant is presently operational at 70% of production capacity.
Run rates at the plant are likely to be reduced owing to weak demand fundamentals in the domestic market.
Located at Chiba in Japan, the BD plant has a production capacity of 130,000 mt/year.
SOURCE Polymer Update
Tobu Butadiene Co. Ltd is likely to curtail run rates further at its butadiene (BD) plant.
A Polymerupdate source in Japan informed that run rates at the plant are likely to be reduced to 65% of production capacity. The plant is presently operational at 70% of production capacity.
Run rates at the plant are likely to be reduced owing to weak demand fundamentals in the domestic market.
Located at Chiba in Japan, the BD plant has a production capacity of 130,000 mt/year.
SOURCE Polymer Update
RELEASED ON 29/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
Chandra Asri Petrochemical is likely to start production at its new butadiene plant.
The new butadiene plant at Cilegon, West Java in Indonesia, will have a production capacity of 100,000 mt/year.
The company is likely to start commercial production at the plant in June 2013, according to a Polymerupdate source in Indonesia.
SOURCE Polymer Update
Chandra Asri Petrochemical is likely to start production at its new butadiene plant.
The new butadiene plant at Cilegon, West Java in Indonesia, will have a production capacity of 100,000 mt/year.
The company is likely to start commercial production at the plant in June 2013, according to a Polymerupdate source in Indonesia.
SOURCE Polymer Update
RELEASED ON 28/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
Italian oil and gas group Eni SpA (BIT:ENI) has prepared a plan to relaunch its petrochemical business with an investment worth EUR 2 billion (USD 2.69bn), chief executive Paolo Scaroni told Italian daily Corriere della Sera.
Eni has outlined a plan for its subsidiary operating in the sector of elastomers, formerly known as Polimeri Europa and renamed to Versalis, whose CEO Daniele Ferrari is the first top manager at the company appointed from outside the Eni group. According to the paper, the plan focuses on two main goals -- the development of green chemistry at the company's old petrochemical plants and the re-evaluation of the core business with elastomers via international joint ventures and new products.
The group develops its basic chemicals business at 14 production sites with 5,600 staff. The revival of such business would represent a driver for the entire industrial sector which is worth revenues for EUR 50 billion, the daily noted. According to Scaroni, such plan is the only way to start using again sites that are otherwise bound to shut down.
Such an investment in biomass chemicals has no alternative in Europe and Versalis has already launched two re-conversion projects, apart from the accord signed today with Yulex Corporation.
Scaroni told the paper Eni had signed a joint venture accord with Italian Novamont for the development of the Matrica project at the group's old plants of Porto Torres. We will invest EUR 500 million to produce the Mater Bi biodegradable plastic, the CEO told Corriere.
Eni has another accord with Novamont and US Genomatica for industrial-scale production of butadiene from renewable sources.
Eni's plan for internationalisation of the chemical business via partnerships with foreign companies is intended to raise the revenues by 50%, focusing on Asia and Latin America. Versalis has recently opened headquarters in Shanghai and signed new accords in China.
By the end of the plan in 2015 the gross profit of the business should have improved by EUR 400 million and Versalis should return to profit, Scaroni told the paper.
The 2011 consolidated balance sheet of Versalis showed losses for EUR 320 million, a four-fold rise from 2010.
SOURCE SeeNews
Italian oil and gas group Eni SpA (BIT:ENI) has prepared a plan to relaunch its petrochemical business with an investment worth EUR 2 billion (USD 2.69bn), chief executive Paolo Scaroni told Italian daily Corriere della Sera.
Eni has outlined a plan for its subsidiary operating in the sector of elastomers, formerly known as Polimeri Europa and renamed to Versalis, whose CEO Daniele Ferrari is the first top manager at the company appointed from outside the Eni group. According to the paper, the plan focuses on two main goals -- the development of green chemistry at the company's old petrochemical plants and the re-evaluation of the core business with elastomers via international joint ventures and new products.
The group develops its basic chemicals business at 14 production sites with 5,600 staff. The revival of such business would represent a driver for the entire industrial sector which is worth revenues for EUR 50 billion, the daily noted. According to Scaroni, such plan is the only way to start using again sites that are otherwise bound to shut down.
Such an investment in biomass chemicals has no alternative in Europe and Versalis has already launched two re-conversion projects, apart from the accord signed today with Yulex Corporation.
Scaroni told the paper Eni had signed a joint venture accord with Italian Novamont for the development of the Matrica project at the group's old plants of Porto Torres. We will invest EUR 500 million to produce the Mater Bi biodegradable plastic, the CEO told Corriere.
Eni has another accord with Novamont and US Genomatica for industrial-scale production of butadiene from renewable sources.
Eni's plan for internationalisation of the chemical business via partnerships with foreign companies is intended to raise the revenues by 50%, focusing on Asia and Latin America. Versalis has recently opened headquarters in Shanghai and signed new accords in China.
By the end of the plan in 2015 the gross profit of the business should have improved by EUR 400 million and Versalis should return to profit, Scaroni told the paper.
The 2011 consolidated balance sheet of Versalis showed losses for EUR 320 million, a four-fold rise from 2010.
SOURCE SeeNews
RELEASED ON 28/01/13 (DD/MM/YY)
New broad spectrum insecticide provides excellent knock-down and residual control, adding to the growing BASF Crop Protection portfolio
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, January 28, 2013 -- Growers looking for an effective pyrethroid now have a new option with Fastac™ EC insecticide from BASF Crop Protection. The new insecticide, which recently received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration, will be available for use for the 2013 season. Fastac EC insecticide is a Restricted Use Pesticide.
“Fastac EC insecticide is an effective new tool for growers looking to proactively manage a broad spectrum of insect pests,” said Luke Bozeman, Technical Market Manager, BASF. “Additionally, as a pyrethroid, Fastac EC insecticide provides residual control to manage key pests in many crops.”
The active ingredient in Fastac EC insecticide, alpha-cypermethrin, targets the nerve impulses of insects, which leads to effective control. Fastac EC insecticide controls a broad-spectrum of piercing-sucking and chewing pests, including aphids, beetles and stink bugs.
Combined with its low-dose rate and broad-crop label, which includes soybeans and cotton, Fastac EC insecticide is a welcome addition to the growing portfolio of crop protection products from BASF.
Fastac EC insecticide is an excellent tank-mix partner for BASF disease control and
Plant Health innovations, including Priaxor™ fungicide for soybeans. The combination of Fastac EC insecticide and a BASF fungicide can add consistency to a grower’s yield potential.
Recent research from BASF demonstrates the benefits of a comprehensive pest, disease and weed control program. In field trials from 2011 and 2012, soybean fields treated with Fastac EC insecticide, Priaxor fungicide and a BASF residual weed control program averaged an additional 6.0 bu/A yield increase when compared to a two-pass non-residual glyphosate-based program.
“BASF is committed to providing growers with safe and effective products to help increase yield potential and promote Plant Health,” said Paul Rea, Vice President, U.S. Crop Protection, BASF. “BASF is dedicated to innovation, research and development, and the introduction of Fastac EC insecticide is another step BASF is taking to help growers get the most out of every acre.”
SOURCE BASF Official Press Release
New broad spectrum insecticide provides excellent knock-down and residual control, adding to the growing BASF Crop Protection portfolio
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, January 28, 2013 -- Growers looking for an effective pyrethroid now have a new option with Fastac™ EC insecticide from BASF Crop Protection. The new insecticide, which recently received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration, will be available for use for the 2013 season. Fastac EC insecticide is a Restricted Use Pesticide.
“Fastac EC insecticide is an effective new tool for growers looking to proactively manage a broad spectrum of insect pests,” said Luke Bozeman, Technical Market Manager, BASF. “Additionally, as a pyrethroid, Fastac EC insecticide provides residual control to manage key pests in many crops.”
The active ingredient in Fastac EC insecticide, alpha-cypermethrin, targets the nerve impulses of insects, which leads to effective control. Fastac EC insecticide controls a broad-spectrum of piercing-sucking and chewing pests, including aphids, beetles and stink bugs.
Combined with its low-dose rate and broad-crop label, which includes soybeans and cotton, Fastac EC insecticide is a welcome addition to the growing portfolio of crop protection products from BASF.
Fastac EC insecticide is an excellent tank-mix partner for BASF disease control and
Plant Health innovations, including Priaxor™ fungicide for soybeans. The combination of Fastac EC insecticide and a BASF fungicide can add consistency to a grower’s yield potential.
Recent research from BASF demonstrates the benefits of a comprehensive pest, disease and weed control program. In field trials from 2011 and 2012, soybean fields treated with Fastac EC insecticide, Priaxor fungicide and a BASF residual weed control program averaged an additional 6.0 bu/A yield increase when compared to a two-pass non-residual glyphosate-based program.
“BASF is committed to providing growers with safe and effective products to help increase yield potential and promote Plant Health,” said Paul Rea, Vice President, U.S. Crop Protection, BASF. “BASF is dedicated to innovation, research and development, and the introduction of Fastac EC insecticide is another step BASF is taking to help growers get the most out of every acre.”
SOURCE BASF Official Press Release