Gas-to-Liquids Processes for Chemicals and Energy Production

Report Highlights

The total market value of products produced using GTL (gas-to-liquids), CTL (Coal-to-liquids), and BTL (biomass-to-liquids) was $4.4 billion in 2010 and $4.5 billion in 2011. BCC projects this market will increase from $4.6 billion in 2012 to $6.8 billion by 2017, a CAGR of 8.1% over the five year period.

Report Scope

In preparing this report, an overall study of the GTL market was undertaken.  All areas of the GTL market are addressed, including identification of current and future technologies, product types, and market segments/end markets.  Legislation and government and regulatory agency involvement are analyzed.  The producing companies are discussed in light of technological strengths and weaknesses, market shares, marketing strengths, and innovative marketing practices.

This report, which is divided into seven sections, assesses and evaluates the demand and costs of GTL in the chemical and energy production markets.  It begins with an overview that describes the importance of the GTL industry in relation to the overall U.S. economy, including a brief history and important indications for the GTL industry.  Major products and applications are reviewed, and key findings from the study are presented.

Environmental and energy regulations as they apply to GTL are discussed.  The structure of the GTL industry and competitive aspects are analyzed, including the driving forces of the industry.  Key strategies for staying competitive and important shifts in the industry are assessed.  GTL industry trade practices and the impact of GTL on the oil industry are covered.

GTL markets by product type are evaluated, including synthetic fuels and chemicals.  These are quantified with forecasts through 2014.  Competing markets for gas are discussed including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and natural gas liquid (NGL).  GTL technology is presented by covering patents and markets and investments by technology type.  These technology types include Shell Middle Distillate Synthesis (SMDS), Sasol Slurry Phase Distillate (SSPD), Exxon Mobil’s Advanced Gas Conversion for the 21st Century (AGC-21), Syntroleum process (SP), and Rentech.  International GTL aspects also are considered, and major overseas companies involved in GTL processes and their activities are assessed.

Analyst Credentials

Research analyst Kevin Gainer is the former managing editor of the BCC Research quarterly publication Energy Magazine.  He holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in quantitative economic analysis, and has 28 years of economics and market research experience including nine years as an energy analyst at American Electric Power Corp.  He is the author of five published books and dozens of technical papers, analyses, and studies published in conference proceedings and

many unpublished within corporations.  He has worked as research editor at BCC and has authored many BCC technology market research reports.