Doha revives gas integration plans

摘要

Qatari state-owned QP is reviving the country’s natural gas integration prospects with plans to build its largest ethane cracker, but it is keeping potential partners in its massive LNG expansion programme on tenterhooks. The company has signed a deal with US petrochemical frm CP Chem - a joint venture between Chevron and US independent refner Phillips 66 - to develop a 1.9mn t/yr ethane cracker at Ras Lafan. The project will include two high-density polyethylene (PE) derivative units with a combined capacity of 1.68mn t/yr, and is scheduled to start up in late 2025. It will increase Qatar’s PE production by more than 80pc.