METHANOL

Methanol is a chemical produced mainly by LNG or coal. It is an important intermediate for the chemical industry,  used in the production of acetic acid, resins, MTBE and other chemicals . Recently  it has taken importance as energy product, thanks to its good qualities as automotive fuels. Such qualities were well known, however only in the last couple of years they have been exploited especially in China, that has focused the use of methanol produced by local coal as a valid alternative to crude import.  Furthermore, a methanol derivative called di-methyl-ether (DME) is playing a growing role  as a synthetic LPG  for automotive engines. Again in the energy complex, may be used as fuel cells feedstock. Another promising methanol use is for the production of olefins, with the process known as MTO (Methanol-To-Olefins).
The world methanol market  in 2008 is estimated 40 million tons.