Genoil Inc. (GNOLF)has announced in conjunction with consortium partner Beijing Petrochemical Engineering Co Ltd (BPEC), the receipt of a $5 billion Letter of Intent (LOI) for the funding of a 500,000 barrel per day (bpd) desulfurization and upgrading project located in the Middle East. The project will see the implementation of Genoil’s proprietary technology producing 500,000 barrels per day of low sulfur crude oil.
The funding from one of the largest banks in China cited in the LOI, will cover the project cost, and will be presented to a major party in the Middle East. For this project, the goal of the consortium is to develop 3.5 million bpd of desulfurization capacity at a total estimated cost of $35-50 billion. Financing will be subject to a number of conditions and approval of the contract terms by all parties.
This project comes at a time where there is concern of a pending shortfall of distillate fuel compliant with the current International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) MARPOL Annex VI regional regulations, which specifies 0.1% sulfur as well as a proposed global cap of 0.5%, expected to be fully legislated by 2020. Genoil is marketing the GHU to the shipping industry, where its technology is able to produce low cost compliant LSFO from refinery residue without the need for blending, and to be priced much more competitively than marine gasoil (MGO).
Currently almost all of the Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) contains high levels of sulfur and particulate matter (PM) emissions. While refineries are facing the considerable capital expenditure to produce more middle distillates, the industry has also not found a cost effective way to remove sulfur from fuel oil or refinery residue. Genoil’s technology addresses this problem and can produce LSFO at up to 75% less cost.
Commenting on the development, Bruce Abbott, President and Chief Operating Officer, Genoil commented:
“With Genoil’s GHU technology we can take refinery residue and turn it into LSFO meeting 2020 legislation. With financial and engineering support from around the world, we are committed to developing sustainable sources that will help solve some of the energy challenges that we face today.
The shipping industry is experiencing increased environmental regulation, and seismic change within the fuel supply chain. Genoil’s ability to provide the industry with compliant products in time to meet 2020 regulations will go a long way to alleviating the pressure on refiners, charterers, ship owners, as well as fuel suppliers in having access to adequate, cost effective products.”
China is actively seeking investment opportunities around the world and Genoil has demonstrated ability in establishing connections with major national oil companies and government ministries. The GHU represents an opportunity for China to invest in environmentally friendly global energy projects, developing clean sources of low sulfur fuels for the global market. Another project for 1 million bpd is currently under consideration by a second national oil company. Additional funding for future projects will be considered on a project-by-project basis.
Source: Genoil
