GlobalData’s latest report, Quarterly Global Ethylene Capacity and Capital Expenditure Outlook – China Petrochemical Corp and Total SA Lead Global Capacity Additions states that the global ethylene capacity is poised to see considerable growth over the next nine years, potentially increasing from 184.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2017 to 261.7mtpa in 2026. Around 116 planned and announced plants are slated to come online in the next nine years, primarily in Asia and the Middle East.
In Asia, China has 29 planned and announced ethylene plants, with a total capacity of about 14.5mtpa by 2021. Capital expenditure (capex) for these plants is US$9.05 billion. Major capacity additions will be from China Petrochemical Corporation.
In the Middle East, Iran has 17 planned and announced ethylene plants, expected to start operations with total capacity of about 10.9mtpa by 2023. Capex for these plants totals US$6.69 billion over the next nine years. Major capacity additions will be from Sepehr Makran Iran and Kangan Petro Refining Co.
The US has 17 planned and announced ethylene plants, with a total capacity of about 17.9mtpa over the next nine years and plans to spend US$22.03 billion. Major capacity additions will be from Formosa Plastics Group and Exxon Mobil Corporation.
Global planned and announced ethylene capacity additions by companies (mtpa)
| Source: Petrochemical Analytics, GlobalData Oil and Gas © GlobalData |
In the Former Soviet Union, most ethylene capacity additions are in Russia, with capacity of about 8.9mtpa by 2024. Capex for these plants totals US$8.11 billion by 2024. Far East Petrochemical Company and Sibur Holding are the top companies accounting for the major capacity additions in Russia.
In South America, Venezuela and Bolivia together plans to add capacity of 1.4mtpa expected to come onstream by 2023. Capex for these plants totals US$1.06 billion. In Africa, Egypt plans to spend US$4.55 billion and add capacity of about 1.7mtpa, expected to come on-stream by 2021.
