Husky Energy to begin rebuild of Superior Refinery in Wisconsin, US

Canadian company Husky Energy has received all required permit approvals from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to rebuild its Superior Refinery in Wisconsin, US.

The department has granted air pollution control construction permit and a prevention of deterioration permit to the refinery, which exploded and burned in April last year, claiming the lives of 36 people.

The explosion forced the evacuation of thousands of residents.

Husky Energy will start reconstruction activities at the site, which will begin imminently.

The company have almost demolished all damaged equipment that resulted from the fire.

The rebuild is set to take place within the next two years; the refinery is expected to begin full operations in 2021.

Husky Energy CEO Rob Peabody said: “Our continued investment in this refinery and the community will support the Superior-Duluth regional economy through jobs, procurement, taxes and essential energy products for years to come.

“The Superior Refinery is an integral part of Husky’s Integrated Corridor business, which maximises margin capture across the value chain.”

In November 2017, Husky Energy acquired Superior Refinery for $435m from Calumet Specialty Products Partners.

The modernised refinery will produce asphalt, gasoline, diesel and heavy fuel oils.

Superior Refinery is positioned to process the company’s Canadian heavy crude feedstock into high-demand products such as gasoline, diesel and asphalt for the US Midwest market.

The refinery employs a team of 200 people and works with several contractors and suppliers in the region.

The upgraded refinery will be equipped with Best Available Control Technology, which incorporates technology and efficiencies from across the refining sector.

It will be energy efficient and adhere to the federal, state and local regulations compliance.

According to the company, the refinery is expected to run in a continuous mode to produce 45,000 barrels per day (bbls / d), including a 5,000bbls / y average increase in heavy oil processing to 25,000bbls / d.

Upon achieving full production, Husky’s overall downstream throughput capacity will be around 400,000bbls / d.