Uzbekistan methanol-to-olefins (MTO) plans

Recent announcements from the Uzbekistan Ministry of Energy indicate further development steps towards the construction of a new methanol-to-olefins (MTO) complex in Bukhara region, Uzbekistan - the cost estimate is approximately $US2.8 billion. Uzbekistan is a large gas producer and its future strategy is focused on domestic monetisation to value-add products, including chemicals expansion and a new GTL plant. Recent license awards add further momentum towards the project development feasibility. If completed, the plant to be operated by Jizzakh Petroleum will process an integrated chain of natural gas through methanol, for further conversion to olefins via the MTO process. The olefins intermediates will be further converted into LDPE/EVA, PP, MEG and PET locally with new downstream facilities also part of the project.