Industry Trends
January 2020
See what has been happening in Asia’s petrochemicals, agrochemicals, automotive, bio energy, and mining industries over the last weeks. What are experts and industry magazines talking about?
What has been happening?
Algae strains for renewable diesel, new opportunities for advanced heat exchangers, recycling e-tron batteries, and more. Find out what journals and industry experts have been discussing in the last four weeks.
Latest Industry Articles
Indonesian researchers study local algae strains for renewable diesel
Biofuels Digest
In Indonesia, researchers from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) conducted a study on microalgae for renewable biodiesel development. In the study, there were two types of Indonesian microalgae strains used, Nannochloropsis oculata and chlorella vulgaris. Uniquely, both have the same main growth component but differ in the type of micronutrients (trace elements). For in-situ method, microalgae cells dried beforehand were given methanol and catalysts and then given treatment and form biodiesel.
In Indonesia, researchers from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) conducted a study on microalgae for renewable biodiesel development. In the study, there were two types of Indonesian microalgae strains used, Nannochloropsis oculata and chlorella vulgaris. Uniquely, both have the same main growth component but differ in the type of micronutrients (trace elements). For in-situ method, microalgae cells dried beforehand were given methanol and catalysts and then given treatment and form biodiesel.
Rising Demand for Energy Efficiency Creates Growth Opportunities for Technologically Advanced Heat Exchangers
PR Newswire: Oil & Energy
Emergence of greenfield projects in Asia-Pacific to help sustain long-term market growth, finds Frost & Sullivan. While the US-China trade war and downturn in the oil and gas sector have dampened investments in the heat exchangers market.
Emergence of greenfield projects in Asia-Pacific to help sustain long-term market growth, finds Frost & Sullivan. While the US-China trade war and downturn in the oil and gas sector have dampened investments in the heat exchangers market.
Audi, Umicore recycle 90% cobalt, nickel from e-tron batteries
MINING.com
Carmaker Audi and materials technology company Umicore announced that, in preliminary tests, they were able to recover more than 90% of the cobalt and nickel contained in the high-voltage batteries of the Audi e-tron. The recovered minerals will be used in new battery cells — but before this happens, the companies have to work on a closed-loop pilot project, which entails that Umicore will receive cell modules from different Audi e-tron models.
Carmaker Audi and materials technology company Umicore announced that, in preliminary tests, they were able to recover more than 90% of the cobalt and nickel contained in the high-voltage batteries of the Audi e-tron. The recovered minerals will be used in new battery cells — but before this happens, the companies have to work on a closed-loop pilot project, which entails that Umicore will receive cell modules from different Audi e-tron models.
Asian countries face policy uncertainty, resource nationalism – report
MINING.com
Rising geopolitical tensions and pressures to the global economy will continue to evoke volatility in commodity markets, heightening risks to metal demand and prices, Fitch Solutions’ newest report on key Asia mining themes finds. The Asian mining landscape will continue to benefit from the availability of high-grade resources and low labour costs, although key countries will grapple with policy uncertainty, resource nationalism and environmental protection, the analyst says.
Rising geopolitical tensions and pressures to the global economy will continue to evoke volatility in commodity markets, heightening risks to metal demand and prices, Fitch Solutions’ newest report on key Asia mining themes finds. The Asian mining landscape will continue to benefit from the availability of high-grade resources and low labour costs, although key countries will grapple with policy uncertainty, resource nationalism and environmental protection, the analyst says.
Confessions of a Biorefiner: Green Plains’ journey into the land of high-value proteins, and the who, what and why of that
Biofuels Digest
This week news came out of a partnership between Novozymes and Green Plains to use biological technology to extract more value from corn protein, at what used to be known as corn ethanol plants, but with this news we might finally and forever begin to think of them as something else.
This week news came out of a partnership between Novozymes and Green Plains to use biological technology to extract more value from corn protein, at what used to be known as corn ethanol plants, but with this news we might finally and forever begin to think of them as something else.
SK Chemicals tests biodiesel blends in marine fuel
Biofuels Digest
In South Korea, Reuters reports that biofuel maker SK Chemicals, has started tests on blending its biodiesel with petroleum-based fuels to create low-sulphur marine oil that will comply with new International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) green shipping fuel rules set to kick in in January 2020. SK Chemicals is also looking at increasing biofuels output by 50% in order to meet demand from the shipping industry, An Jung-bum, head of the company’s energy& petrochemical business, told Reuters.
In South Korea, Reuters reports that biofuel maker SK Chemicals, has started tests on blending its biodiesel with petroleum-based fuels to create low-sulphur marine oil that will comply with new International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) green shipping fuel rules set to kick in in January 2020. SK Chemicals is also looking at increasing biofuels output by 50% in order to meet demand from the shipping industry, An Jung-bum, head of the company’s energy& petrochemical business, told Reuters.
Clariant licenses sunliquid cellulosic technology
Ethanol Producer Magazine
Clariant, Anhui Guozhen Group, and Chemtex Chemical Engineering on Jan. 7 signed a license agreement on sunliquid cellulosic cellulosic ethanol technology. The technology will be used to convert agricutlure residues to ethanol at a facility in China.
Clariant, Anhui Guozhen Group, and Chemtex Chemical Engineering on Jan. 7 signed a license agreement on sunliquid cellulosic cellulosic ethanol technology. The technology will be used to convert agricutlure residues to ethanol at a facility in China.
Understanding charging and blasting solutions for mines and tunnels
Mining Technology
Before the invention of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), drilling and blasting was the only cost-efficient way of creating long tunnels through harder rock types. Today it is often used in situations in which the use of TBMs wouldn’t make financial sense – as TBMs are often a costly technology – or in which they are unsuitable for ground conditions. The process involves drilling several holes into the rock and filling them with explosives.
Before the invention of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), drilling and blasting was the only cost-efficient way of creating long tunnels through harder rock types. Today it is often used in situations in which the use of TBMs wouldn’t make financial sense – as TBMs are often a costly technology – or in which they are unsuitable for ground conditions. The process involves drilling several holes into the rock and filling them with explosives.
Clariant, Anhui Guozhen Group, and Chemtex Chemical Engineering ink deal for 30 million gallon cellulosic ethanol project in China
Biofuels Digest
From Germany we have news that Clariant, Anhui Guozhen Group, and Chemtex Chemical Engineering signed a license agreement on sunliquid cellulosic ethanol technology. This is the third commercial license for the sunliquid technology and the first for China. The Anhui Guozhen Group and Chemtex have agreed to form a joint venture with the aim of realizing a full-scale commercial plant for the production of cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residues.
From Germany we have news that Clariant, Anhui Guozhen Group, and Chemtex Chemical Engineering signed a license agreement on sunliquid cellulosic ethanol technology. This is the third commercial license for the sunliquid technology and the first for China. The Anhui Guozhen Group and Chemtex have agreed to form a joint venture with the aim of realizing a full-scale commercial plant for the production of cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residues.
Scientists develop system to remove contaminants from nuclear wastewater
MINING.com
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a method to reduce the volume of contaminated water that needs to be disposed of in nuclear plants. In a paper published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, the scientists said that the mechanism concentrates the radioactive isotopes that contaminate the water used for cooling the plants and allows for the rest of the water to be recycled through the plant’s cooling system.
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a method to reduce the volume of contaminated water that needs to be disposed of in nuclear plants. In a paper published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, the scientists said that the mechanism concentrates the radioactive isotopes that contaminate the water used for cooling the plants and allows for the rest of the water to be recycled through the plant’s cooling system.
PolyOne Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Clariant Color and Additive Masterbatch Business
PR Newswire: Oil & Energy
PolyOne Corporation, a leading global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Clariant to purchase its global color and additive masterbatch business.
PolyOne Corporation, a leading global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Clariant to purchase its global color and additive masterbatch business.
Sunliquid Tech Scaling Up: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Clariant’s Commercialization
Biofuels Digest
Clariant’s sunliquid technology integrates cellulosic sugar/ethanol production made from agricultural residues, integrated enzyme production, feedstock flexibility, and more. Paolo Corvo, Head of Sales & Marketing, Business Line Biofuels & Derivatives at Clariant offered the latest and greatest updates on their sunliquid technology, the 7 year running plant in Germany, their new flagship plant progress en route to commercialization in Romania, and more at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco.
Clariant’s sunliquid technology integrates cellulosic sugar/ethanol production made from agricultural residues, integrated enzyme production, feedstock flexibility, and more. Paolo Corvo, Head of Sales & Marketing, Business Line Biofuels & Derivatives at Clariant offered the latest and greatest updates on their sunliquid technology, the 7 year running plant in Germany, their new flagship plant progress en route to commercialization in Romania, and more at ABLC NEXT in San Francisco.
BASF invests in Israeli AgTech startup Equinom for seed breeding
Biofuels Digest
In Israel, BASF Venture Capital is the lead investor in a funding round for Israeli AgTech startup Equinom. Equinom’s computerized breeding technology provides optimized seeds for the food industry to help it meet growing demand for plant-based products used as ingredients, clean label packed goods and healthier lifestyle cuisine. With this investment, BASF Venture Capital promotes BASF’s strategy of applying innovative solutions in agriculture.
In Israel, BASF Venture Capital is the lead investor in a funding round for Israeli AgTech startup Equinom. Equinom’s computerized breeding technology provides optimized seeds for the food industry to help it meet growing demand for plant-based products used as ingredients, clean label packed goods and healthier lifestyle cuisine. With this investment, BASF Venture Capital promotes BASF’s strategy of applying innovative solutions in agriculture.
ExxonMobil points to biofuels in The Way Ahead for 2020
Biofuels Digest
In New Jersey, ExxonMobil VP for R&D Vijay Swarup published a column on 2020, “The Work Ahead” and said that “We are at a crucial inflection point with climate change, as is all too clear from the regular stream of updates in our news feeds every day. ExxonMobil’s annual Energy Outlook, which came out recently, discusses how the world is still offtrack to meet certain climate goals without a lot of additional effort.
In New Jersey, ExxonMobil VP for R&D Vijay Swarup published a column on 2020, “The Work Ahead” and said that “We are at a crucial inflection point with climate change, as is all too clear from the regular stream of updates in our news feeds every day. ExxonMobil’s annual Energy Outlook, which came out recently, discusses how the world is still offtrack to meet certain climate goals without a lot of additional effort.
Var Energi Closes Exxon Deal
Rigzone.com
Var Energi has confirmed that its acquisition of ExxonMobil’s upstream business in Norway has completed.
Var Energi has confirmed that its acquisition of ExxonMobil’s upstream business in Norway has completed.
Indonesia to reinstate $50 palm oil export levy from January 1
Biofuels Digest
In Indonesia, Cogencis news agency reports the Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency expects to reinstate the $50 per metric ton export levy on palm oil exports following the agency’s $80 per ton increase in the reference price for January to $729.72 from December’s $650.18. A lower levy is lobbed on exports of downstream palm products as well. Collection of the levy that is used to subsidize biodiesel blending had been suspended since March 1 due to low palm oil prices.
In Indonesia, Cogencis news agency reports the Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency expects to reinstate the $50 per metric ton export levy on palm oil exports following the agency’s $80 per ton increase in the reference price for January to $729.72 from December’s $650.18. A lower levy is lobbed on exports of downstream palm products as well. Collection of the levy that is used to subsidize biodiesel blending had been suspended since March 1 due to low palm oil prices.
China pursuing CPU import substitution
Electronics Weekly
China’s latest domestic chip boosting initiative – called 352 Project – intends to develop a PC CPU which will replace 30% of the CPUs used inside China-based PCs within a year. Within three years the aim is to have replaced 80% of foreign CPUs used in China-based PCs to be shortly followed by 100%.
China’s latest domestic chip boosting initiative – called 352 Project – intends to develop a PC CPU which will replace 30% of the CPUs used inside China-based PCs within a year. Within three years the aim is to have replaced 80% of foreign CPUs used in China-based PCs to be shortly followed by 100%.
Indonesian palm oil biodiesel exports fell 6.7% in October to 3.04 million tons
Biofuels Digest
In Indonesia, Reuters reports that palm oil biodiesel and oleochemical exports fell 6.7% in October compared to September at 3.04 million metric tons on the back of lower production that month brought on by drier weather. Stocks fell slightly in October by 20,000 tons to 3.71 million tons.
In Indonesia, Reuters reports that palm oil biodiesel and oleochemical exports fell 6.7% in October compared to September at 3.04 million metric tons on the back of lower production that month brought on by drier weather. Stocks fell slightly in October by 20,000 tons to 3.71 million tons.
Malaysian palm oil stocks by end-2020 seen falling to below 2 million tons thanks to B20
Biofuels Digest
In Malaysia, Reuters reports that the country expects palm oil stocks to total 2.1 million metric tons by year’s end, or at worst 2.5 million tons, compared to 2.3 million tons at the end of December 2018 that was a record high. With the implementation of the B20 blending mandate next year, stocks are expected to fall by the end of 2020 to between 1.5 million and 2 million tons which will in turn help to support palm oil prices.
In Malaysia, Reuters reports that the country expects palm oil stocks to total 2.1 million metric tons by year’s end, or at worst 2.5 million tons, compared to 2.3 million tons at the end of December 2018 that was a record high. With the implementation of the B20 blending mandate next year, stocks are expected to fall by the end of 2020 to between 1.5 million and 2 million tons which will in turn help to support palm oil prices.
Indonesian president says 500,000 hectares of palm to be replanted over next three years
Biofuels Digest
In Indonesia, the Antara news agency reports that while the president officially launched B30 on Monday, he announced his government that despite the moratorium on planting new palm oil plantations, it will continue to promote the replanting of existing plantations, seeking to replant 500,000 hectares by over the next three years.
In Indonesia, the Antara news agency reports that while the president officially launched B30 on Monday, he announced his government that despite the moratorium on planting new palm oil plantations, it will continue to promote the replanting of existing plantations, seeking to replant 500,000 hectares by over the next three years.
EU remains largest biodiesel producer
Biofuels Digest
In Germany, UFOP reports that in the EU, biodiesel production has increased for another year, accounting for more than one third of world production, and said that the single most important biodiesel producer is the European Union, which accounted for 34 per cent of global output of 41 million tonnes in 2018.
In Germany, UFOP reports that in the EU, biodiesel production has increased for another year, accounting for more than one third of world production, and said that the single most important biodiesel producer is the European Union, which accounted for 34 per cent of global output of 41 million tonnes in 2018.
Indonesia to produce EV batteries by 2022 – report
Paul Tan’s Automotive News
The Indonesian ministry of industry is aiming to produce electric vehicle batteries by 2022, Autonetmagz reports. Director of maritime industries, transport and defense equipment Putu Juli Ardika said that the ministry of industry is preparing four ‘basic rules’ as regulatory policy to expedite the development of battery-electric vehicles in Indonesia.
The Indonesian ministry of industry is aiming to produce electric vehicle batteries by 2022, Autonetmagz reports. Director of maritime industries, transport and defense equipment Putu Juli Ardika said that the ministry of industry is preparing four ‘basic rules’ as regulatory policy to expedite the development of battery-electric vehicles in Indonesia.
Indonesia sends request for consultations to WTO over EU biodiesel policy
Biofuels Digest
In Indonesia, following warnings that it wouldn’t take the European Union’s policy against palm oil in biofuels sitting down, Reuters reports that Indonesia has officially sent a request for consultations to the World Trade Organization, the first step in a complaint, on December 9. The consultation process lasts 60 days and if no resolution is found, the European Commission can request the WTO open a dispute panel to make a decision.
In Indonesia, following warnings that it wouldn’t take the European Union’s policy against palm oil in biofuels sitting down, Reuters reports that Indonesia has officially sent a request for consultations to the World Trade Organization, the first step in a complaint, on December 9. The consultation process lasts 60 days and if no resolution is found, the European Commission can request the WTO open a dispute panel to make a decision.
Mazda allocates 1b baht to upgrade AutoAlliance Thailand plant – BT-50 production moving to Isuzu
Paul Tan’s Automotive News
Mazda plans to allocate around one billion baht (RM137.1 million) to upgrade its factory in Thailand next year, reports the Bangkok Post. The AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) plant in Rayong is a joint venture with Ford that produces 270,000 units a year. With half ownership, Mazda has capacity of 135k units at AAT.
Mazda plans to allocate around one billion baht (RM137.1 million) to upgrade its factory in Thailand next year, reports the Bangkok Post. The AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) plant in Rayong is a joint venture with Ford that produces 270,000 units a year. With half ownership, Mazda has capacity of 135k units at AAT.
Myanmar OKs plan for three smart cities
Consult Myanmar
The government will transform the country’s three key cities – Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon and Mandalay – into smart cities, a minister said Monday. U Han Zaw, minister of Construction, said the plan is being carried out with the support of local and foreign businesses. “We will start by looking at the requirements of each city,” he said at a conference on National Urban Policy in Nay Pyi Taw.
The government will transform the country’s three key cities – Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon and Mandalay – into smart cities, a minister said Monday. U Han Zaw, minister of Construction, said the plan is being carried out with the support of local and foreign businesses. “We will start by looking at the requirements of each city,” he said at a conference on National Urban Policy in Nay Pyi Taw.
Delhi urges boycott of Malaysian palm oil
Straits Times
India has informally asked palm oil refiners and traders to avoid buying the commodity from Malaysia, government and industry sources said yesterday, following Malaysian criticism of New Delhi’s actions in the Kashmir region and its new citizenship law.
India has informally asked palm oil refiners and traders to avoid buying the commodity from Malaysia, government and industry sources said yesterday, following Malaysian criticism of New Delhi’s actions in the Kashmir region and its new citizenship law.
Duterte offers new water contracts
BusinessWorld
President Rodrigo R. Duterte is offering new contracts to Metro Manila’s two water concessionaires, but warned the government will take over water distribution services and pursue charges against Manila Water Co., Inc. and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. should they reject the new terms and conditions.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte is offering new contracts to Metro Manila’s two water concessionaires, but warned the government will take over water distribution services and pursue charges against Manila Water Co., Inc. and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. should they reject the new terms and conditions.
Rare earths trade between China, Myanmar facing challenges
Consult Myanmar
Following a new closure of the China-Myanmar border in mid-December, Roskill reports that some Chinese rare earths producers and operators in Myanmar have been asked to head back to their country which, in the view of the market analyst, means that supply to the Asian giant may decline in 2020. According to Roskill, following the initial closure of the border in May 2019, Myanmar’s supply of rare earths oxide (REO) to China declined by 28.
Following a new closure of the China-Myanmar border in mid-December, Roskill reports that some Chinese rare earths producers and operators in Myanmar have been asked to head back to their country which, in the view of the market analyst, means that supply to the Asian giant may decline in 2020. According to Roskill, following the initial closure of the border in May 2019, Myanmar’s supply of rare earths oxide (REO) to China declined by 28.
Thailand seeks to ease oil price impact
NST Online
The government is looking into ways of reducing the impact of the United States-Iran conflict with regard to rising oil prices, said Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong.
The government is looking into ways of reducing the impact of the United States-Iran conflict with regard to rising oil prices, said Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong.
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