Husky Energy Inc. will soon start reconstruction work on its oil refinery in Wisconsin, more than a year after an explosion and fire damaged the facility.
The Canadian oil and gas producer said Sept. 30 that it obtained the required approvals to rebuild the Superior Refinery in Superior, Wis., as it aims to restore the facility to full service in 2021. Husky said the demolition of damaged equipment caused by the blast is now "largely complete," according to a news release.
Husky, which employs roughly 200 workers at the refinery, expects to create more than 350 contractor jobs during reconstruction.
The refinery reconstruction will incorporate updated technology and improve energy efficiency. It will produce a full slate of products that include asphalt, gasoline and diesel. When it resumes operations, the refinery is expected to have an average capacity of 45,000 barrels per day, including an average increase in heavy oil processing of 5,000 bbl/d, to 25,000 bbl/d. Full ramp-up at the facility would boost Husky's total downstream throughput capacity to about 400,000 bbl/d.
On April 26, 2018, a fire broke out at the refinery at about 10:00 a.m. CT, injuring at least five people based on initial reports.
