Global ethylene capacity is poised to see considerable growth over the next five years, potentially increasing from 225.52 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2022 to 331.39mtpa in 2030, registering a total growth of 46.9%.

Approximately 140 planned and announced ethylene projects are expected to come online, predominantly in Asia, followed by the Middle East over the upcoming years.

Asia is expected to add a capacity of 61.24mtpa from 50 new-build planned projects, whereas, for the expansion of existing ethylene projects, the region is expected to add a capacity of 2.33mtpa from five planned and announced projects.

Within Asia, the major capacity addition is from an announced project, Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Longkou Ethylene Plant 2, with a capacity of 5.20mtpa. It is expected to come online in 2030.

It is followed by a planned project, Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Longkou Ethylene Plant 1, with a capacity of 3mtpa. This is expected to commence production of ethylene in 2024.

The Middle East follows with a capacity of 17.60mtpa from 16 new-build planned and announced projects, whereas for expansion the region is expected to add 1.58mtpa from three announced projects.

Within the Middle East, the major capacity addition will be from a planned project, Qatar Chemical Company Ras Laffan Ethylene Plant, with a capacity contribution of 2.10mtpa. It is expected to come online in 2026.