Analysis of global planned isomerisation capacity of refineries shows that China has the highest capacity globally with 204.8 mbl per day during 2018 to 2021, with Nigeria and Iran following with 106.4 mbd and 58.3 mbd respectively, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company
The isomerisation unit in an oil refinery aims to convert linear molecules to higher-octane branched molecules for blending into gasoline or feed to alkylation units.
Presently, China accounts for 29 per cent of the total global planned isomerisation capacity additions in 2021. A total of four planned refineries with isomerisation capacity of 204.8 mbd are expected to start operations by 2021. Among these, Dayushan Island refinery has the highest isomerisation capacity of 85.2 mbd, followed by Jieyang and Dalian III refineries with a capacity of 44.0 mbd and 42.6 mbd respectively.
Nigeria contributes about 15 per cent of total global planned isomerisation capacity additions in 2021. The country has three planned refineries with isomerisation capacity of 106.4 mbd which are expected to start operations by 2021. Lagos I refinery has the highest isomerisation capacity of 69.2 mbd, followed by Ibafon and Ibeno I refineries with capacities of 26.6 mbd and 10.6 mbd respectively.
Iran contributes about eight per cent of total global planned isomerisation capacity additions in 2021. Iran has three planned refineries with isomerisation capacity of 58.3 mbd. Pars refinery has the highest isomerisation capacity of 30 mbd, followed by Kermanshah II and MazandaranI refineries with capacities of 16 mbd and 12.3 mbd respectively.
Saudi Arabia, Philippines and Malaysia are the other major countries that contribute six percent each to the total global planned isomerisation capacity additions in 2021. Saudi Arabia, Philippines and Malaysia are expected to add a planned capacity of 44.0 mbd, 42.6 mbd and 39.0 mbd respectively, through Jizan, Manila and Pengerang refineries.
Indonesia contributes about five per cent of total global planned isomerisation capacity additions in 2021. Palu refinery is the only planned refinery in the country which has isomerisation capacity of 33 mbd and is expected to come online by 2019.
Russia, Turkey and Brunei collectively contribute about 66.2 mbd to the global planned isomerisation capacity in 2021, which is about nine per cent of the global total.
