Construction has begun at Ovadan-Depe near Ashgabad, Turkmenistan, on a 15,500-b/d plant that will make gasoline from natural gas.
The plant will be the first full-scale, commercial facility based on proprietary technology of Haldor Topsoe of Denmark.
Called Topsoe Improved Gasoline Synthesis (Tigas), the catalytic process can use synthesis gas from other feedstocks, including coal, petroleum coke, and biomass.
State-owned Turkmengas owns the facility. Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. and Ronesans Turkmen are handling engineering and construction.
