Energy Environmental Blog

OH: Downstream Benefits

Written by Greg Russell | Oct 16, 2012 2:14:01 PM

Crain's Cleveland Business has an interesting commentary on the downstream benefits of Utica development in Ohio.  A sample:  "Purchased raw materials (feed stock) and purchased energy (gas & electricity) are two of the largest cost items for chemical companies, and low-priced, locally sourced natural gas addresses both of those factors. Natural gas liquids (ethane, propane and butane) are crucial feed stocks for high value added products of the chemical industry. As a result, U.S. manufacturing and the chemical industry were hit hard by high natural gas prices between 2004 and 2008. Prices started to fall dramatically as supplies from shale formations began to be realized and understood. Now, low-priced natural gas and ethane from natural gas liquids (NGLs) have the potential to significantly improve the global competiveness of Ohio's chemical companies. The growing supply is also helping to keep Ohio's energy costs among the most competitive in the country."

For a related article, see here from the Houston Chronicle.