BP plans to close gas-to-liquids project

ANCHORAGE - BP said it will close its gas-to-liquids demonstration project in Nikiski by the end of the year.

The company said the demonstration was a success, proving that its GTL process to make diesel and jet fuel from natural gas can be scaled-up from the laboratory and operated reliably.

The project operated for seven years.

The decision affects about 15 BP employees, who will be offered positions elsewhere.

BP's GTL development program will continue in Europe. The company is working with Davy Process Technology on the engineering design of full scale GTL units.