JOGMEC to market Japan's Gas-to-liquids Process

In August this year, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) will take over from Nippon GTL Technology Research Association the commercialization of a proprietary Japanese gas-to-liquids process which will be used for the conversion of natural gas into liquid fuel. The move is part of an agreement between Nippon GTL, JOGMEC and a consortium of several energy-related companies which has resulted in the Japan-GTL process, which can be used by commercial-scale plants with a capacity of 15,000 barrels per day. In August, JOGMEC will begin promoting the process to other countries. GTL technology is making its presence felt in small- and medium-sized gas fields because it is considered superior in quality to existing processes. The technology helps gas fields expand the use of stranded natural gas to liquid fuels including methanol, formaldehyde, ethyl alcohol, gasoline, diesel fuel and many other carbon derivatives. Natural gas-rich places such as Qatar, North America, Australia and Uzbekistan are potential markets for GTL technology. (April 6, 2012)