Yesterday marked the official opening of MEScon 2023. Nearly 600 attendees representing 23 countries from across the sour gas and sulphur value chain were welcomed through the doors of the Conrad Adu Dhabi Etihad Towers.
Angie Slavens expressed that this is a pivotal moment as the event’s lead sponsors, ADNOC and ARAMCO, the two largest sulphur producing companies in the world, kicked off the day’s activity, delivering inspiring welcome addresses that underlined the vital role the Middle East will play in the future of the industry.
For example, the speakers discussed how growth plans across the Middle East are due to account for half of all Sulphur expansion by 2030, with global sulphur supply due to grow from 65m/t -80 m/t of sulphur by 2027. Mr Adbulmunim Al Kindy, Upstream Executive Director at ADNOC Upstream, also expressed the benefits that new technology will bring to reduce costs and create new value.
A little later in the morning, CRU’s Principal Analyst for Sulphur and Sulphuric Acid, Dr Peter Harrison, delivered a fascinating overview of the sulphur market, noting that sulphur supply in the Middle East saw significant growth from 2014-2016 and this is happening once again. Though, the interesting long-term challenge will be managing supply side capabilities as demand growth continues.
This demand for sulphur was a central point of discussion throughout the day, with many speakers highlighting that sulphur is not just a waste by-product of oil and gas, but instead one of the most valuable commodities in today’s market. This was evidenced by conversations around its dominance in fertilizers, supporting global food supply; but also its role in emerging markets from EV batteries through to clean energy storage – both of which are only set to expand.
Ionut Lazar, CRU’s Principal Consultant, talked on this during his presentation on the evolving role of sulphur in the EV market. He predicted that sustained sulphur demand will remain in the phosphates market but lithium and battery markets will be a growth potential for acid.
This afternoon’s technical sessions focused on outside of the box thinking with regard to the value of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and elemental sulphur as presented by operating companies, technology providers and industry suppliers.
All in all, today exemplified an excitement in the industry, looking to the significant opportunities the future holds, and the important role the Middle East will play in this. More than a conference, we saw conversation, collaboration and community, with leaders and experts from across the industry sharing knowledge, best practice and predictions for the future of sulphur.
There is a lot more to come from MEScon 2023, so look out for tomorrow’s daily digest, where you can catch up on all of the key highlights from the event!