The EIA summarizes developments in ethane markets in Today in Energy, here: http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=29572
Some highlights:
“Ethane is used almost exclusively as a petrochemical feedstock to produce ethylene, a compound used in the creation of many plastics. Expansions at existing ethylene plants contributed to a 170,000 b/d increase in ethane consumption between 2013 and 2016. By mid-2018, construction is expected to be completed at six new ethylene plants and one restarted plant, collectively capable of using 450,000 b/d of ethane feedstock. Most of these plants are designed specifically to use ethane without the ability to switch to other feedstocks. EIA expects U.S. ethane consumption to increase by 310,000 b/d (26%) between the first quarter of 2013 and the fourth quarter of 2018 as these plants ramp up operations.”
“The first ethane export terminal in the United States, located at Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, with an export capacity of 35,000 b/d, shipped its first ethane cargo in March 2016. A second export terminal, located at Morgan’s Point, Texas, with a capacity of 200,000 b/d, shipped its first ethane cargo in September 2016. Morgan’s Point terminal is 90% contracted, and exports are ramping up quickly. Although the first shipments out of Morgan’s Point went to Europe, the facility sent shipments to India in December and January.”
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