Uzbekistan’s Gas Chemical Complex MTO Central Asia LLC, an innovative leader in polymer production, has signed an industrial gas processing agreement with Air Products to build a methanol production facility. The official signing ceremony was held in Tashkent City Congress Hall.

Known as Methanol Island, the facility would have a capacity of 1.34 million tons per year, as a part of the Methanol-to-olefin (MTO) gas chemical complex in Uzbekistan. 

The facility, to be built in the Karakul Free Economic Zone in Uzbekistan’s Bukhara region, will cover 15 hectares.  It is planned to enter operation in 2025 for an expected operational life of 25 years. 

Using world-leading innovative technologies, Uzbekistan’s GCC MTO complex (unlike traditional MTO facilities that use less environmental-friendly coal) is designed for deep processing of specific natural gas with a low content of valuable components into high-value polymer products with a production capacity of over 1,110,000 tons per year. 

The company will produce polypropylene (250,000 t/y), used for the production of artificial fibers, electrical engineering, and automotive components; low-density polyethylene (80,000 t/g), which is a raw material for the production of pipes, insulating materials, packaging and food films and moldings; ethylene vinyl acetate (100,000 t/y) used for the production of floor coverings, footwear, and sports equipment; polyethylene terephthalate (300,000 t/g), which can also be used for the production of containers, films, and synthetic fibers; high-density polyethylene (280,000 t/g), used for the production of pipes and fittings, barrels, canisters for fuel, freezer containers, safety helmets, furniture fittings.

Local production will help Uzbekistan reach its goal of diversifying the economy, substituting imports, and potentially exporting products to other regions. 

The methanol facility would ensure the sustainable supply of methanol, hydrogen, and other industrial gases, such as oxygen and nitrogen, essential for the MTO gas chemical complex’s production processes.  

“We are delighted to work with Air Products, the world’s leading industrial gases company, as partners in the complex. Air Products has established itself as a reliable supplier of proven solutions that guarantee both the high quality and required volume of products we need. Air Products’ investments highlight the degree of interest shown by international companies in Uzbekistan’s industrial development opportunities”, General Director of the Gas Chemical Complex MTO, Masrur Shakirov, said.

Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA