Detailed analysis of developments in polyolefin technology and includes all major licensed technologies, as well as technologies not licensed but important to the polyolefin industry. Focuses on factors within the industry and the external market that shape technology development and competitive positioning.

This report assesses the relative economics and competitiveness of U.S. ethane exports versus domestic use for petrochemical production and compare it with various MTO options.  U.S. ethane supply and demand is forecasted to 2030.

This report analyzes developments in next generation bioethanol technologies. Technical, commercial, and economic aspects of producing ethanol from cellulosic feedstocks are examined, including risk-adjusted future project capacities.  Implications for the existing industry are examined with respect to margins and returns.

This report analyzes recent developments in biomass gasification technologies. Technical, commercial, and economic aspects of producing power, syngas, and/or chemicals via biomass gasification are examined. Planned capacities are also investigated.

Cellulosic biomass can be converted into a number of chemical and fuel products with potential to improve the GHG footprint of existing products.  This study examines the technical, commercial, and economic aspects of producing cellulosic biofeedstocks. An analysis of the availability of agricultural residues in different regions is also included.

This report examines technical, commercial, and economic aspects of producing aromatics, including para-xylene, via bio-based sources. Announced as well as risk-adjusted capacities are presented based upon analysis of individual projects.

Acrylic acid derived from bio-based sources can be converted into a number of chemical and polymer products—with potential to improve the GHG footprint of the process.  The purpose of this study is to assess the technical, commercial, and economic aspects of producing acrylic acid via bio-based sources, and to investigate future capacities.  

This report presents methods and technologies for improving efficiency of energy use in industrial processes. The benefits of improved efficiency on cost and CO2 emission are also demonstrated using recent case studies.

This report examines the impact of the low sulfur bunker fuel regulations on the refining and marine industries. Technology options available for refiners and ship owners are discussed and economics analyses are presented for atmospheric residue desulfurization, marine exhaust gas scrubbing, and the use of LNG as an alternative bunker fuel. Nexant’s forecast of global bunker demand is provided reflecting the impact of the regulations.

This report takes a modular approach to the plethora of potential bio-butadiene routes, which include multiple biobased and conventional catalytic steps. Technology descriptions are presented, markets are discussed and economics developed for North America, South America, Western Europe and Asia for the most promising routes.