This report considers the availability, now and in the future, of natural gas as a C1 chemicals feedstock both for the key existing markets and potential future markets.  Gas prices are projected through to 2040 based on the global gas outlook and the current and prospective pricing is then used to consider the comparative economics for the key chemicals for the different markets.

This report provides a strategic assessment of the key elements of change expected in the petrochemical industry from the renewed acceptance and likely easing of sanctions in Iran.  Before sanctions took hold and curtailed the development of the largely export-oriented industry, Iran had ambitious plans to develop a world scale petrochemical industry. When this development stalled other Middle Eastern players took advantage of the opportunity. However, a re-emergence of petrochemical momentum in Iran would undoubtedly have implications for the rest of the Middle East industry and how it develops.  Nexant looks at the current state of the industry in Iran and evaluates how it will develop, assessing the real opportunities for investors and how this will impact the global markets.  

The study analyzes the economics of the methanol-to-aromatics processes currently being promoted in China, and compares their attractiveness to conventional aromatics production.  The cost analysis considers the volatility in coal prices as well as crude oil prices which drive conventional aromatics production economics, and also considers whether methanol-to-aromatics will be attractive in other regions such as the United States and the Middle East.

This study analyzes the technical, commercial, and environmental status of the solvent industry by its major markets and explains the drivers for using green solvents. Green solvents included in this report are a combination of biorenewable chemicals and more environmentally friendly and safer alternatives to traditional solvents.