Kiyanly, October 18 - Neftegaz.RU. Turkmenistan inaugurated on October 17th a $3.4 billion petrochemical plant. This investment increases the country’s petrochemical capacity from 160 ktpa to over 600 ktpa.
President Berdimuhamedov Gurbanguly, who participated in the opening of the facility, said it is part of the country's «extensive plans to diversify the Turkmen energy complex, to increase the economy's export potential by launching production of gas and chemical products that are in demand on the global markets.»
The chemicals produced at the plant will be exported to China, India, Turkey, Europe and other Central Asian countries via a new naval port. At full run rates the complex will process 5 billion m3 of natural gas per year and produce over 450 ktpa of olefins.
The Kiyanly complex includes Turkmenistan’s 1st 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 complex has been built by LG International, Hyundai Engineering and Toyo Engineering. It will be operated by Turkmen state companies.