New Turkmengaz gas and chemical complex good news for domestic petrochemicals industry

Following the opening of Turkmengaz's new gas and chemicals complex, located in Kiyanly, Turkmenistan, Wood Mackenzie Chemicals Analyst Laurie Baxter commented:

"This complex has been commissioned at a cost of 3.4 billion USD and represents a significant increase in Turkmenistan's domestic petrochemical capacity. At full run rates, the complex will process 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year and produce over 450 ktpa of olefins.

"The Kiyanly complex includes Turkmenistan’s first steam cracking unit and significantly increases Turkmenistan’s domestic olefins production capabilities. The feedstock for the steam cracker will be approximately 50% LPG/Condensate and 50% Ethane, and will be used to produce 386 ktpa of polyethylene and 80 ktpa of polypropylene. The asset’s commissioning will also be a boost for PETRONAS, which will provide the feedstock gas from its offshore Block 1 asset and adjacent onshore terminal. Additionally, the coastal location of the Kiyanly asset on the Caspian sea should provide logistical options for PE and PP exports.

"The new facility represents a step-change in Turkmenistan's ability to produce olefins and polyolefins domestically. This major investment includes the country’s first steam cracking unit and increases petrochemical capacity from 160 ktpa to over 600 ktpa as the country seeks greater value from its significant natural gas reserves – the 5th highest in the world by Wood Mackenzie estimates."