ExxonMobil has announced plans to expand crude processing capacity at its refinery in Beaumont, Texas.
The company said on Aug. 4 that it would add flexibility to process lighter crude oil grades at the facility, in response to the abundant, affordable supplies of U.S. light crude from shale drilling.
This will increase production capacity at Beaumont by approximately 20,000 barrels per day and will also enhance the refinery’s energy efficiency.
“This project will grow our capacity and flexibility to process light crude oils,” Jerry Wascom, president of ExxonMobil Refining and Supply Co., said in a statement. “Building on the recent increases in domestic oil and gas production, this investment further strengthens the competitiveness of the company’s strategic assets in North America and enhances U.S. energy security.”
Refinery manager Fernando Salazar added: “The expanded crude unit at Beaumont refinery supports the company’s position as a leader in the global energy market by improving the production slate, and enabling improvement in the product yield in a highly energy-efficient manner that will further strengthen the industry-leading position of our assets.”
Beaumont is well positioned to competitively supply high-demand growth markets across the United States, ExxonMobil said.
The company’s operations in Beaumont include a 345,000 barrels of crude oil per day refinery, as well as chemical, lubricants and polyethylene plants.
