Chemicals - The Times Of Central Asia

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Ethanol Refinery

Uzbekistan to Build Central Asia’s Largest Ethanol Refinery

Allied Biofuels FE LLC and India’s Praj Industries Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to construct what is set to become Central Asia’s largest ethanol refinery in Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region, the companies announced on November 17. Praj will provide first-generation ethanol technology, proprietary equipment, and full-spectrum support, including design, engineering, procurement, and commissioning. The planned facility will produce 890 tonnes of 95% ethanol per day, or approximately 293,700 tonnes annually, using sorghum as the primary feedstock. The plant will also capture biogenic CO₂ generated during the production process. Allied Biofuels intends to convert this ethanol into 160,400 tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and 5,040 tonnes of green diesel each year. Biogenic CO₂ will also be combined with synthesis gas and green hydrogen, produced from 2,000 MW of PEM electrolysers, to generate 257,000 tonnes of Electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (e-SAF) annually. The project represents the first phase in establishing Central Asia’s first integrated refinery for SAF, e-SAF, and green diesel. According to the companies, the initiative supports Uzbekistan’s climate objectives and aligns with the goals of the national Net Zero Emissions Office. “This MOU is a landmark moment for Uzbekistan and for Central Asia’s clean-energy future,” said Alfred Benedict, Chairman and Managing Director of Allied Biofuels. “This project will strengthen energy security, reduce emissions, and create long-term economic opportunities for the region.” Praj Industries Chairman Dr. Pramod Chaudhari added, “With our proven expertise and advanced technologies, Praj will help develop the ethanol facility and support Uzbekistan in advancing its sustainability targets.” The investment is expected to generate hundreds of skilled jobs and position Uzbekistan as a regional leader in advanced biofuels. The Times of Central Asia has previously reported on Uzbekistan’s increased emphasis on renewable energy and efforts to attract international clean-technology partnerships.

Investments

Kazakhstan to Invest $15 Billion in Oil and Gas Chemical Industry Development

Kazakhstan is set to invest $15 billion in its oil and gas chemical sector through six major projects aimed at shifting the economy from raw material exports to high-value industrial production. The initiative was announced by Temirlan Urkumbaev, Director of the Oil and Gas Chemistry Department at the Ministry of Energy, during the Power Central Asia + China forum. Flagship Projects Underway One of the cornerstone projects is already operational: an integrated gas chemical complex for polypropylene production by Kazakhstan Petrochemical Industries Inc. (KPI), launched in 2022 in the Atyrau region. The facility processes raw materials from the Tengiz field and has a production capacity of 550,000 tons of polypropylene per year. In 2024 alone, it produced around 250,000 tons, spanning 12 grades of polypropylene. The project’s total cost was $2.6 billion. The second major project, a polyethylene plant with an annual capacity of 1.25 million tons, began construction in late 2024 within the National Industrial Petrochemical Technopark special economic zone (SEZ), also in Atyrau. To date, 49% of preparatory work has been completed. The plant’s launch is scheduled for 2029, with an estimated investment of $7.4 billion. It is expected to produce over 20 grades of polyethylene, 40% of which will be premium grade. “Excavation work for the pyrolysis unit has already started,” Urkumbaev stated. “International partners such as SIBUR, Sinopec, and EPC contractors including Tecnimont, Técnicas Reunidas, and Hyundai Engineering are involved. Their participation ensures compliance with global engineering and environmental standards.” Cluster Development and Strategic Goals Additional projects are being developed to produce butadiene, urea, and other products essential to agriculture and industry. All will be situated within the same SEZ, which spans over 3,600 hectares and offers tax incentives and established infrastructure. Currently, 18 companies are operating in the zone. According to Urkumbaev, the creation of an integrated oil and gas chemical cluster will generate over 19,000 new jobs and marks a strategic pivot from resource extraction to the production of high-tech goods with greater added value. “The era when Kazakhstan was seen primarily as a raw materials supplier is drawing to a close. We are building a new, more sustainable economy. The development of oil and gas chemistry is a path toward deeper resource processing, enhanced scientific capacity, and a stronger position in the global market,” he said. Government Commitment to Petrochemical Growth Oil and gas chemistry has been designated a strategic priority by the Kazakh government. Almasadam Satkaliyev, now head of the Atomic Energy Agency and formerly Minister of Energy, previously underscored the importance of redirecting liquefied hydrocarbon gas from transportation use to the petrochemical industry.

Science

Scientists in Turkmenistan Develop Lactose Gel for Skin Rejuvenation

Turkmen biotechnologists from the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan have developed an innovative lactose gel designed to rejuvenate and correct age-related skin changes. The State Service for Intellectual Property has officially recognized this technology and issued the relevant patent. The gel, based on milk whey, is used in dermatology and cosmetology. Its key task is to improve skin condition by restoring water and protein balance. Low-frequency ultra phonophoresis allows deep penetration of amino acid molecules, which contributes to cell recovery, improves cell nutrition and moisturizing, and stimulates the regeneration process. The basis of development is milk whey, which contains about 50% of the components important for maintaining skin health, such as proteins, lactose, vitamins, and minerals. These components are actively used in various industries, including cosmetics, due to their high biological value and unique physical and chemical properties. The head of the Academy's biotechnology department, Altyn Rakhmanova, emphasized that using whey in bionanotechnology is not only an effective way to create useful products but also an environmentally friendly approach. It is based on waste-free production, which minimizes the negative impact on the environment while increasing the value of the resulting products. Thus, this development demonstrates an innovative approach in the cosmetics industry, maximizing the benefits of natural resources and creating compelling products for the skin, providing comprehensive rejuvenation and restoration. Other developments in Turkmen science have been reported in recent weeks. Scientists have also developed a therapeutic ointment made of a widespread tree species in the country - maklura. The drug reduces inflammatory processes and helps to tighten wounds. In addition, scientists in Turkmenistan have developed a cream based on oil from silkworm cocoons, which is used in cosmetology. Before that, Turkmen scientists presented crackers made of camel thorn extract.

Chemicals Uzbekistan Investments Economy

Uzbekistan launches chemical plant built by Chinese companies

TASHKENT (TCA) — Uzbekistan on December 28 put into operation a new chemical plant built by Chinese companies in the Navoi region. The opening ceremony was attended by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Xinhua news agency reported. Continue reading

Investments Uzbekistan Chemicals

Uzbekistan to develop chemical industry, make it attractive to investors

TASHKENT (TCA) — Uzbekistan plans to invest 12.1 billion U.S. dollars to develop the country's aging chemical industry over a period of ten years and sell off state shares in a number of chemical enterprises, Xinhua news agency reported with reference to the Uzbek president’s decree published last week. Continue reading

Chemicals

Turkmenistan launches major gas chemical plant in Kiyanly

ASHGABAT (TCA) — President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on October 17 attended the opening ceremony of the Kiyanly Gas Chemical Complex for production of polyethylene and polypropylene. He pressed the button that launched the production process at the facility, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan reported. This major investment project worth over 3.4 billion US dollars was implemented by Turkmengas State Concern together with foreign partners, Korea’s LG International Corp and Hyundai Engineering, and Japan’s TOYO Engineering Corporation. The trilateral contract was signed during the official visit by President Berdimuhamedov to Japan in 2013. The production capacity of the new complex was designed to process 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, thus allowing for the production of 381 thousand tons of high-density polyethylene, 81 thousand tons of polypropylene and other valuable products, as well as for the obtaining of up to 4.5 billion cubic meters of marketable gas that will be distributed to gas pipeline systems and used as a fuel. The plant was provided with the modern equipment purchased in Japan, the Republic of Korea, the USA, the UK, Belgium, Germany, and Denmark. It has four main technological facilities: for gas separation, for ethane processing and for polyethylene and polypropylene production. All technological processes are automated and function under centralized control. The plant will launch the production of high-density polyethylene, a new product for Turkmenistan. The project for the construction of the Kiyanly Gas Chemical Complex received the TXF Award (UK) as one of the best ECA-backed projects in Europe and Eurasia in 2014. The total value of loan agreements signed by the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, the Export-Import Bank of Korea and the syndicate of participating financial institutions of Japan, Germany, France, Korea, China, Italy, Austria and Switzerland to finance the project exceeds 2.5 billion US dollars.