Qafac workshop aims to underscore importance of the environment

The workshop, which will be held under the patronage of HE Dr Mohamed bin Saleh al-Sada, Minister of Energy & Industry and CMD of Qatar Petroleum (QP), will bring together experts in the field of MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether).

MTBE is the most widely used oxygenate octane enhancer in gasoline. Qafac is a producer-exporter of methanol and MTBE in Qatar.

Speakers at the workshop include Hamad Rashid al-Mohannadi, vice-chairman of the QP board of directors, chairman of Qafac and CEO of RasGas Company limited; Nasser Jeham al-Kuwari, general manager of Qafac; Robert P McBean, executive chairman of Wentworth Resources Ltd; Clarence Woo, executive director of Asian Clean Fuels Association; Dr Graeme Wallace, director-general of The European Fuel Oxygenates Association; and Alex Leong, vice-president, business development-Asia and safety, health & environment-Asia, AECOM.

The objectives of the workshop include increasing awareness about MTBE’s relevance in today’s world, learning how clean fuel and air can be achieved through MTBE, sharing expertise, knowledge and experience on responsible care for handling and using MTBE, and discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by MTBE.

“Qafac’s commitment to safety and the environment is paramount,” said al-Kuwari. “We strongly believe that it is essential for this region that experts on MTBE from across the world come together to share and exchange knowledge, experience and expertise. As a major producer of MTBE, we feel it is our social duty and responsibility to further raise awareness and provide in-depth understanding of it and complement its positive contribution to contemporary society.”

Following the phase-out of lead as an octane enhancer in gasoline to reduce carbon monoxide and ozone levels caused by harmful tailpipe emissions from motor vehicles, legislation and policymakers all over the world have mandated the use of oxygenates as an alternative.

Today, most refiners have chosen to use MTBE over other oxygenates primarily for its blending characteristics and cost efficiency.

Additionally, as the domestic and regional gasoline market continues to grow with the construction of a new gasoline refinery at Ras Laffan Industrial City, MTBE has an important role to play in the production of gasoline to the Euro 5 standards of clean fuel aimed at improving air quality.