The construction of the first gas-chemical complex for the production of polymer products using a special technology has begun in Uzbekistan.
The construction of this high-tech enterprise is being carried out on the territory of the special economic zone “Karakul” in the Bukhara region, the administration of the President of Uzbekistan informed.
The new gas-chemical giant will be the largest in Central Asia. Once it reaches its design capacity, the complex is expected to produce up to 1.1 million tons of various types of polymers annually. It will require the processing of 1.3 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 430 thousand tons of oil raw materials (naphtha) per year.
The total investment for the project is estimated at $5 billion. Uzbekistan is counting on substantial investments from foreign partners, considering the high export potential of the complex's future products.
At present, the authorities have not specified the exact timeline for commissioning this modern petrochemical production facility. However, it can be assumed that the process will take several years, given the need for extensive infrastructure construction.
The gas-chemical industry is one of the priorities for the industrial development of Uzbekistan, according to the statement. Currently, Uzbekistan already has large enterprises producing polymers, fertilizers, and other chemical products based on its rich natural gas deposits.
Over the past five years, the volume of the processing industry in Uzbekistan has increased by 1.4 times, amounting to 553 trillion soums ($49.4 billion) last year. In Bukhara, this figure increased by 1.6 times, reaching 30 trillion soums ($2.68 billion).
There are 41 projects worth $7 billion in foreign investments and 39 projects with the same amount of local investments underway in the region.
Plans include the construction of three more major facilities: a gas-chemical complex, a solar power plant, and an international airport in Bukhara.
Leading gas-chemical assets in the republic include the Shurtan Gas Chemical Complex in the Kashkadarya region, which produces polyethylene and polypropylene, and the Fergana Plant for the production of mineral fertilizers.
Additionally, Uzbekistan has facilities for producing methanol, caustic soda, and several other basic chemical products.
The implementation of the new megaproject in the Bukhara region is expected to elevate Uzbekistan's gas-chemical complex to a qualitatively new level. This will enhance the export potential of the industry, create additional jobs, and stimulate the development of related high-tech industries in the country.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
May 3, 2024