This report investigates the various commercial and developmental routes for the production of renewable ethylene. Technologies based on bio-ethanol, bio-naphtha, and bio-methanol are investigated for ethylene production, as well as sugar and glycerin-based routes directly to ethylene glycol. Pyrolysis oil from thermal conversion of plastic wastes has seen significant development for conversion into bio-naphtha feedstock, as well as gasification of biomass to produce methanol for ethylene production. Dry reforming of methane with carbon dioxide and electrochemical production of ethylene are the new technologies covered in this edition of the report. Cost of production models, process descriptions, capacity analysis and implications for the conventional industry are included.

This report provides an overview of commercial and developing technologies for the by-product and on-purpose production of propylene, the second most used chemical in terms of global volumes after ethylene. By-product propylene technologies include naphtha cracking, conventional and enhanced fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) of vacuum gas oil and atmospheric residue. This is followed by on-purpose propylene technologies that include residual grade propylene fractionation, propane dehydrogenation, metathesis, olefins catalytic conversion/cracking and methanol-based processes. The technoeconomic and carbon intensity analysis of the technologies in four regions (Middle East, United States, Western Europe, and China) are discussed, with coal-based processes included for China. Emerging or developing technologies that have the potential to decarbonize propylene production are also discussed. Cash margins for the commercial technologies by regions are correlated to the carbon intensities (scope 1 and 2), with a breakeven carbon cost analysis for fluidized bed catalytic crackers that are integrated with carbon capture systems. Global propylene capacity by producer is provided.

The purpose of this report is to analyze developing technologies for the production of biopolyols. Technical and economic aspects of producing biopolyols are explored in detail including cost of production models for key technologies. Production capacity developments, drivers for development, and strategies to increase biorenewable content are also explored.

The report provides a comprehensive review of the technology landscape for ammonia cracking, covering major licensors and emerging technologies. The economic analysis describes production costs for hydrogen from ammonia cracking in Western Europe and Japan (importers of low carbon ammonia in the hydrogen economy). A value chain analysis comparing the cost per delivered ton of hydrogen through direct transport of liquefied hydrogen versus hydrogen via ammonia cracking is presented for blue and green hydrogen / ammonia. A carbon intensity analysis covering scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions for the value chains described is also detailed, with commentary around the potential cost implications under the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM).