World scale gas-to-liquids (GTL) plants built over the past decade are now operating in Qatar and Nigeria, thanks to investors' deep pockets and perseverance (WGI Aug. 13' 14). Such projects were hugely expensive and risky, given fluctuating gas and oil prices. As a result, developers have been turning to smaller modular GTL projects, typically of 1,000 to 15,000 barrels per day. None is yet operating commercially, but technology pioneers say real progress is being made. Some in the US will monetize small volumes of gas from landfill, bio-mass or shale, while others in the Caspian region are eyeing larger landlocked natural gas deposits (WGI Dec.11'13). Innovative funding, and the sourcing of cheap or even negative-cost gas, could be crucial for success. Mark Smedley
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