(40a) The Extraordinary Challenge of Mega-Projects

Shale related developments led to the renaissance of the petrochemical industry in North America. Last 5 plus years have seen an unprecedented pace of investment in the petrochemical industry. Last one year has seen a significant change in oil prices, dropping from nearly $100/bbl to below $50/bbl, resulting in a slow-down in investments. This slow-down is driven by lower margins, due to flattening of cost of production curve, and will prolong the payout of these investments. Ethylene based petrochemical complexes are capital intensive and industry is looking for improving competitiveness of new investments as compared to naphtha based plants in Asia and other regions. This presentation will explore some of the potential opportunities for managing the capital cost, one of the key element for mega project delivery, which will help improving competitiveness of petrochemical investments - particularly in North America.