The company said the plant will be the first ethylene plant based on KBR’s license in Uzbekistan and will utilize KBR’s proprietary SCORE™ (Selective Cracking and Optimum Recovery) technology.

KBR will deliver the basic engineering package, SCORE™ technology license, operator training, start-up services and in-country construction assistance. KBR will also provide detailed engineering and design for the furnace section of the ethylene plant and supply equipment related to the ethylene furnace. GS Engineering and Construction Corp. will supply additional engineering, procurement, and construction for the project. This project will further strengthen KBR’s working relationship with GS Engineering & Construction as providers of competitive Lump Sum EPC solutions to potential customers.

KBR’s SCORE™ technology provides the petrochemical industry with state-of-the-art technology optimized from both a design contractor’s and ethylene producer’s perspective.

“We are excited about the opportunity to provide KBR’s technology and services for the first time in an Uzbek plant,” said David Zelinski, KBR’s Downstream President. “The region’s abundant supply of gas and other natural resources have the potential to deliver growth and prosperity to both KBR and Uzbekistan.”

KBR is a global engineering, construction and services company supporting the energy, hydrocarbon, government services, minerals, civil infrastructure, power, industrial, and commercial markets.

Uz-Kor Gas Chemical was founded by Uzbek and Korean companies in May 2008 to develop, finance, construct and exploitation of integrated gas and oil processing project in Ustyurt region of Uzbekistan.

Uzbekneftegaz owns 50% stake in the joint venture, while Uz-Kor Gas Chemical Investment holds 50% share. Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), Honam Petrochemical and STX Energy are Korean founders of the venture.

Main resource base of the project is gas and gas condensate, extracted at Surgil field, license for development of which was presented to Uz-Kor Gas Chemical.

Uz-Kor Gas Chemical will produce and sell gas in market of Uzbekistan and produce gas chemical goods: polyethylene of high density, polypropylene and pyrolized gas and mazut for internal and external markets.

It is expected that construction of Ustyurt Gas Chemical Complex will start in June 2012 and it will be commissioned in early 2016.