Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Surhan Gas Chemical Operating Company and Shell Catalysts & Technologies signed a technology license agreement. As part of this deal, Shell Catalysts & Technologies will offer an integrated technology license for a gas purification and sulfur recovery unit, Dunyo reported.

The project, implemented in the southern part of Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan, aims to organize the annual processing of five billion cubic meters of natural gas, which contains high levels of hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and mercaptans. The economical removal of these impurities and their safe isolation or conversion into marketable by-products are critical to the success of the project.

The integrated gas and sulfur treatment plant developed by Shell Catalysts & Technologies includes several Shell advanced patented technologies that offer significant reductions in capital and operating costs compared to alternatives.

“We see that more and more gas projects are facing very complex gas compositions. They often go beyond standard turnkey solutions, but by adapting our approach to their specific goals, we help customers meet stringent product specifications and emission standards, as well as reduce their capital and operating costs. Shell is pleased to offer Uzbekistan leading and innovative gas and sulfur processing technologies. We look forward to working with the Surhan Gas Chemical Operating Company to push the boundaries of what is technically achievable,” said Andy Goss, Shell Catalysts & Technologies Vice President.

It is worth noting that the project will be implemented in two stages: the first - in 2018-2022, which will include exploration, drilling, construction of the field’s infrastructure and the construction of a gas processing plant. The second - in the years 2023-2025 with the construction of a gas-chemical complex, which will produce up to 500,000 tons a year of polymer-based products.

The investment consortium, which includes the Gas Project Development Central Asia AG, Altmax Holding Ltd and Uzbekneftegaz, established the Surhan Gas Chemical Operating Company to manage field development.