The specialized meeting "Petrochemical
Industry and Related Value Chains" featured presentations on the future of
methanol production and trade, including predictions of an 18% increase in
production and a 28% increase in global trade by 2027.
According to Hamidreza Chaichi, Head of Zagros
Petrochemical Market Sales and Development, Iran faces tougher competition in
the global market as China becomes the main producer of methanol.
Chaichi added that Iran's methanol production
capacity will increase, and it will become the world's largest exporter of the
product.
The Middle East currently holds the title for the
largest exporter of methanol, with an annual production of 18.1 million tons,
17.8 million of which are exported.
The conference also explored the potential for
fuel production from methanol.
Seyed Jaafar Bagkhani, Director of the Value
Chain Development Center, highlighted the use of methanol to produce hydrogen
and its use in hydrogen supply stations. This process reduces investment costs
for hydrogen production by 20% and is being developed in China.
Bagkhani also pointed out that the global
approach to the use of methanol in fuel is a developing policy principle, with
China leading the way in converting methanol to paraxylene, which can be used
by collectors interested in the aromatic field.
The IPF discussions provided valuable insights
into the future of the methanol value chain and the opportunities for fuel
production from this versatile chemical. As the industry continues to grow,
experts expect to see increased competition and innovation in the market.