Marcellus Shale Gas to be Converted to Hydrocarbon Liquids
From an Article by Walt Frank, The Altoona Mirror, November 13, 2013
Marcellus GTL LLC of Gilberton announced plans in March to build a plant that would turn natural gas into gasoline and propane, and they hoped to begin construction by the end of this year. However, construction won’t begin in Duncansville, PA, until 2014.
“That was typical project optimism. We had hoped to get all of the supporting contracts in place. It has taken longer than we envisioned. We are finalizing the contracts and getting the financing in place,” said Paul Hamilton, Marcellus GTL executive vice president, for this $200 million facility.
The company officials now hope to begin construction in the second quarter, between April and June. ”Starting then will coincide with drier weather, and it will be easier to do the ground work,” Hamilton said. “We expect the project to take about two years. We hope to be up and running in the first quarter of 2016.”
The project will be built near the Duncansville intersection of Route 764 and Old Route 22 on land that straddles Allegheny and Blair townships. The land is in a Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone (KOEZ) which will allow for seven years of real estate tax abatement.
The company had hoped to start by the end of this year because that was when the KOEZ was due to expire, but it has been extended through the end of 2020, said Marty Marasco, president and CEO of Altoona-Blair County Development Corp.
The Clean Energy Center will take natural gas and produce about 84,000 gallons per day of regular gasoline and propane to be marketed locally as transportation fuel and for heating use. The project will create 30 jobs.
Hamilton said the company continues to talk to natural gas companies about hooking onto one of their large natural gas lines in the area and to trucking companies to transport its products from the facility via tanker trucks.
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Odebrecht Exploring Cracker Plant Investment in Wood County, WV
From the Parkersburg News and Sentinel, November 14, 2013
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and Odebrecht announced today Odebrecht will explore the development of a new petrochemical complex in Wood County. The complex, “Ascent” — Appalachian Shale Cracker Enterprise — would include an ethane Cracker, three polyethylene plants and associated infrastructure for water treatment and energy co-generation. A purchase option on the anticipated project site in Parkersburg has already been secured.
“Although we realize much work remains to be done, this announcement of a potential project is tremendous news for our state and our region. I appreciate the hard work of my team from the Development Office and the Ascent team members who have come together to explore this investment. I look forward to working closely with them to help bring the project to fruition,” Tomblin said.
Ascent’s feasibility will depend on several important variables, including the contracting of long-term ethane supply, as well as financing, regulatory approvals, and appropriate governmental support.
Odebrecht will lead Ascent’s investment and financing, as well as the operation of water and electric utilities. “Project Ascent fits within Odebrecht’s commitment to be a partner in development in the regions where we operate,” stated Fernando Reis, CEO of Odebrecht Environmental. “Moreover, Ascent fits into the strategy of our Utilities division, which seeks to invest and manage industrial assets.”
Braskem would be responsible for petrochemical-related activities as well as the commercialization of the polyethylene after the investment is completed. “As the United States’ leader in polypropylene production and with a significant footprint already in the region, we are excited about today’s announcement,” stated Fernando Musa, CEO of Braskem America. “Should Ascent materialize we look forward to serving our clients in the polyethylene market.”
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