Sasol eyes Uzbek GTL project

South African petrochemical company Sasol Ltd. has teamed up with Uzbekneftegaz, the national oil and gas company of Uzbekistan and Malaysia’s Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) to look into the possibility of developing a gas-to-liquids (GTL) project in Uzbekistan. The agreement, signed in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent this week, follows the positive outcome of a joint pre-feasibility study based on Sasol’s proprietary technology, which would be deployed to produce high-quality transportation fuels from Uzbekistan’s abundant domestic gas reserves. “The wealth of gas resources within Uzbekistan makes this an ideal location for a GTL facility, and we are delighted to mark this important milestone with our valued partners,” Sasol Group General Manager Lean Strauss said in a statement. The GTL project, the companies said, would enhance Uzbekistan’s fuel production and also make a significant contribution to its economy. The partners are negotiating with the Uzbekistan government over the required project enablers and plan to establish a joint venture company in the country. (April 9, 2009)