Azernews.Az

By Aynur Karimova

Energy-rich Turkmenistan has announced the imminent increase in the refining capacity of the country through construction of new units.

Turkmen Oil and Gas and Natural Resources Ministry reported on December 2 that commissioning of the ELOUAT-7 new atmospheric oil distillation unit (ADU) with a capacity of 3 million tons per year is scheduled at the Turkmenbashi refinery in December. It is expected that the plant's capacity will reach 11.7 million tons per year.

The unit for the production of biaxially oriented polypropylene film (BOPP) will be also commissioned soon. The new catalytic reforming unit will start working at the Seydi oil refinery of the country.

The ministry said earlier that Turkmenistan has developed a plan for construction of industrial facilities, where the production of gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylic fibers, hydrochloric acid, caustic soda, polystyrene and other gas chemical products will be launched on the basis of advanced technologies for the processing of natural gas.

In general, the country plans to construct 10 new industrial facilities, engaged in the production of 17 kinds of products.

Thus, Turkmenistan will significantly expand its position not only in the market of primary energy resources, but will also take its rightful place in the market for gas and chemical products by betting on a deeper and more complex processing of natural gas and increase of the share of its products in export.

Turkmenistan plans to bring its oil refining industry capacity to 15 million tons of oil per year in 2015, up to 20 million tons in 2020, up to 22 million tons in 2025, and up to 30 million tons in 2030.

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Aynur Karimova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Aynur_Karimova

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