Iran's petrochemical ambition aiming for 130 MMt annual production

In a visionary pursuit of economic growth and self-sufficiency, Iran is aiming to create a formidable 130 million tons of annual petrochemical production capacity, said Hydrocarbonprocessing.

This ambitious goal was emphasized by Morteza Shahmirzaei, Deputy Minister of Petroleum, and the CEO of the National Petrochemical Company, during a ceremony marking the commencement of the "Basij Bijar" petrochemical project.

Mr. Shahmirzaei, speaking at the event, highlighted the extraordinary progress made in the Iranian petrochemical industry, attributing it to the dedication of experts and professionals who are deeply committed to the nation's advancement. He remarked on the industry's remarkable journey, noting that during the early days of the Islamic Revolution, the nation's petrochemical production capacity was merely around 1.5 million tons annually. Today, the installed capacity in the petrochemical sector has reached an impressive 92 million tons, reflecting Iran's strength and the nation's enormous potential.

Shahmirzaei added that meticulous planning and focused efforts are underway, and the seventh development plan aims to reach nearly 130 million tons of petrochemical production capacity, a clear testament to Iran's unwavering commitment to the sector's expansion and success.

Furthermore, he shared the vision for the eighth development plan, which aspires to achieve 180 million tons of petrochemical production capacity, setting even more ambitious goals for the future.

The Deputy Minister of Petroleum and CEO of the National Petrochemical Company took pride in the progress made in the petrochemical industry, considering it a reflection of the strength of the Islamic Republic. Despite various sanctions and challenges, Iran has persevered and prevented any hindrance to its growth, evident in the successful commencement of the "Basij Bijar" petrochemical project.

Highlighting the significance of this venture, Shahmirzaei stated that this project would set the stage for further developments in the petrochemical industry within the Kurdistan region, further strengthening the industry's value chain.

He also mentioned that Iran currently hosts 72 petrochemical complexes, annually exporting $16 billion worth of petrochemical products, and actively preparing and implementing over 110 petrochemical projects across the nation.

During his visit to Kurdistan Province, the CEO of the National Petrochemical Company participated in a Friday Prayer ceremony in the city of Bijar, where he elucidated the achievements of this flourishing industry.

We remind, Kazakhstan is ready to transport more Russian oil and gas, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told the Russian daily Izvestia in remarks published early on Wednesday, a day before President Vladimir Putin was set to visit his country. After initially trying to distance itself from Russia following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the central Asian country seems to be warming to a "gas union" idea that Putin proposed last year and which would also involve Uzbekistan.

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Thyssenkrupp Uhde has been engaged by Proman to realize a 2200 tpd ammonia plant in Topolo-bampo, Sinaloa, Mexico. It will be a state-of-the-art facility which optimizes CO2 emissions in the process, said the company.

German financing through Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau underscores the international collaboration and support driving this project. thyssenkrupp Uhde will provide engineering and procurement services in addition to the uhde ammonia technology license and proprietary equipment.

CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde, Dr. Cord Landsmann: “Our innovative uhde ammonia technology not only boosts ammonia production efficiency but exemplifies our commitment to efficient solutions. We are thrilled to be partnering with Proman to pioneer innovative practices in ammonia production.”

David Cassidy, Chief Executive of Proman, said: “Proman is excited to be expanding into Mexico. We are already a significant producer of ammonia, and this new plant will increase our annual production capacity to 2.8 million tons at a time when fertilizers have a critical role to play in the agricultural sector in Mexico and for global food security. We have built strong relationships with local stakeholders and communities and look forward to a long-term future in Mexico.”

The project was thoroughly developed over several years, and the recent finalization and signing marks the commencement of this joint effort. Proman and thyssenkrupp Uhde are poised to deliver on their promise to set new standards in efficient ammonia production, thus reaffirming their positions as industry leaders.

Ammonia is equally essential in tackling the challenge of producing enough food to feed a growing global population as it can be used to produce low-carbon fertilizers. At the moment, 80 % of the annual global ammonia production of over 170 million metric tons is used for fertilizer production. However, its use as an energy carrier for hydrogen looks set to dwarf this figure.

We remind, Russia is considering lifting an export ban on some grades of gasoline. Shulginov said the lifting of export bans on Ai 92 and Ai 95 gasoline was under consideration. Russia introduced a ban on fuel exports on Sept. 21 to tackle high domestic prices and shortages. The government eased restrictions on Oct. 6, allowing the export of diesel by pipeline, but kept measures on gasoline exports in place.

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Kazakhstan is ready to transport more Russian oil and gas, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told the Russian daily Izvestia in remarks published early on Wednesday, a day before President Vladimir Putin was set to visit his country, said Reuters.

After initially trying to distance itself from Russia following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the central Asian country seems to be warming to a "gas union" idea that Putin proposed last year and which would also involve Uzbekistan.

"We are interested in making full use of our transit potential and are ready to further increase the volume of Russian gas transportation," Tokayev was quoted as saying. Keen to boost sales of its energy and commodities in Asia, after being hit by Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, Putin proposed the "gas union" idea late last year to support shipments between the three countries and to other energy buyers, including China.

Moscow calls its actions in Ukraine a "special military operation." Last month, Russia started supplying natural gas to Uzbekistan via Kazakhstan, marking the occasion with ceremonies in Moscow and elsewhere attended by the presidents of the three countries and shown on state TV. The project, Tokayev told Izvestia, "will give a powerful impetus to the industrial development of our countries".

While Russia is a major natural gas exporter, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan produce roughly as much as they consume. Their outputs, however, are becoming increasingly insufficient as consumption rises, spurred by population growth and industrial development.

A huge increase in liquefied petroleum gas prices early last year led to unrest in Kazakhstan's cities while a shortage of natural gas and electricity amid frigid temperatures sparked protests in Uzbekistan at the start of this year. The two countries are connected by a gas pipeline to Russia, and a separate pipeline crosses both on its way to China.

However, both pipelines mostly pump gas from Turkmenistan, while Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have never reported any transit shipments of Russian gas to China or any other countries. Tokayev also said that Kazakhstan was ready for greater cooperation with Russia in the oil sector - including in transporting Russian oil. He said that plans called for a shipment of up to 100 million metric tons of Russian oil to China by 2033.

We remind, Russia is considering lifting an export ban on some grades of gasoline, Interfax news agency quoted Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov as saying on Wednesday. Shulginov said the lifting of export bans on Ai 92 and Ai 95 gasoline was under consideration. Russia introduced a ban on fuel exports on Sept. 21 to tackle high domestic prices and shortages. The government eased restrictions on Oct. 6, allowing the export of diesel by pipeline, but kept measures on gasoline exports in place.

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Global fossil fuel production in 2030 is set to be more than double the levels that are deemed consistent with meeting climate goals set under the 2015 Paris climate agreement, the United Nations and researchers said on Wednesday, said Hydrocarbonprocessing.

The United Nations Environment Program’s (UNEP) report, assessing the gap in fossil fuel production cuts and what’s needed to meet climate goals comes ahead of the global COP 28 climate meeting which starts on Nov. 30 in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates (UAE).

"Fossil fuel phase out is one of the pivotal issues that will be negotiated at COP 28," Ploy Achakulwisut, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) scientist and a lead author of the report said in a press briefing. "We need countries to commit to a phase out of all fossil fuels to keep the 1.5C goal alive," she said.

Under the Paris pact, nations have committed to a long-term goal of limiting average temperature rises to less than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to attempt to limit them even further to 1.5C. While scientists say fossil fuel use must be reduced to meet the goal, countries have failed to reach any international agreement on set phase out dates for unabated coal, gas or oil use.

The report analyzed the 20 major fossil fuel producers and found they plan to produce, in total, around 110% more fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with limiting the degree of warming to 1.5C, and 69% more than is consistent with 2C. None of the 20 countries have committed to reduce coal, oil, and gas production in line with limiting warming to 1.5°C the report said.

It said 17 of the countries have pledged to reach net zero emissions but most continue to promote, subsidize, support and plan the expansion of fossil fuel production.

We remind, Russia is considering lifting an export ban on some grades of gasoline. Shulginov said the lifting of export bans on Ai 92 and Ai 95 gasoline was under consideration. Russia introduced a ban on fuel exports on Sept. 21 to tackle high domestic prices and shortages. The government eased restrictions on Oct. 6, allowing the export of diesel by pipeline, but kept measures on gasoline exports in place.

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Russia is considering lifting an export ban on some grades of gasoline, Interfax news agency quoted Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov as saying on Wednesday, as per Reuters.

Shulginov said the lifting of export bans on Ai 92 and Ai 95 gasoline was under consideration. Russia introduced a ban on fuel exports on Sept. 21 to tackle high domestic prices and shortages. The government eased restrictions on Oct. 6, allowing the export of diesel by pipeline, but kept measures on gasoline exports in place.

Officials have said that the ban would be lifted once the domestic market stabilizes. Analysts had expected the restrictions to be scrapped after the completion of the recent grain harvesting season.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Sunday that Russia will continue an additional voluntary supply cut of 300,000 barrels per day from its crude oil and petroleum product exports until the end of December 2023, as previously announced.

Interfax cited an unnamed fuel market source as saying that the Kirishi oil refinery, owned by Surgutneftegaz, has already put forward a request for gasoline exports in the middle of November. The energy ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

We remind, Kazakhstan is ready to transport more Russian oil and gas, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told the Russian daily Izvestia in remarks published early on Wednesday, a day before President Vladimir Putin was set to visit his country. After initially trying to distance itself from Russia following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the central Asian country seems to be warming to a "gas union" idea that Putin proposed last year and which would also involve Uzbekistan.

mrchub.com