Agenda

Tuesday, 29 September
Wednesday, 30 September
Thursday, 1 October

Workshop | Global Methanol Fundamentals: Tuesday, 29 September

All times listed below are in Central European Time (CET)

07:30  – 17:00
Registration

07:30 – 08:30
Welcome Refreshments

08:30 – 08:35
Opening Remarks and Workshop Overview

Mike Nash, Vice President, Global Syngas Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS


08:35 – 10:00
Module 1 – Characteristics, Feedstocks, Technology and Cost Analysis

Chemical Market Analytics Syngas Team

Session Details

The perfect start to the workshop and the foundation of the remainder of the day. Module one covers key topics such as the characteristics of methanol and use cases, the broad spectrum of feedstocks used in methanol production, current and emerging technologies, and how those technologies are evolving to meet the needs of a future “net zero” world.


10:00  – 10:30
Networking Break

10:30 – 12:00
Module 2 – Derivative Demand, Chemicals and Fuels

Chemical Market Analytics Syngas Team

Session Details

An in-depth analysis of the varied applications for methanol. It is used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of formaldehyde, acetic acid, methyl methacrylate, amines and chloromethanes. It is a feedstock for the manufacture of olefins and derivatives. It is also used in various fuels applications: the direct blending of methanol into gasoline; MTBE; DME and biodiesel. It is increasingly used as a low-carbon alternative fuel for ships, as a gateway to Sustainable Aviation Fuel, in fuel cells, and as a source of power in isolated locations. This session will provide you with unparalleled market intelligence about the increasing role played by methanol and the broad spectrum of end use products it supports.


12:00 – 13:30
Networking Lunch

13:30 – 15:00
Module 3 – Global Supply and Demand; Regional Analysis and Underlying Industry Structure
Chemical Market Analytics Syngas Team
Session Details

Truly a global commodity, methanol is produced, shipped and used in all four corners of the globe. Your instructors will help you to understand the global methanol industry as well as regional supply-demand dynamics. They will also explain the structure of the methanol industry: the major producers and consumers.


15:00 – 15:30
Networking Break

15:30 – 17:00
Module 4 – Trade, Price Discovery and Forecasting
Chemical Market Analytics Syngas Team
Session Details

About a third of methanol production output is transported to a different region to be sold. The instructors will demonstrate and explain the major trade flows and how they are expected to evolve. The cost of freight and duty, on top of production costs, are vital components of the methanol cost curve. One of the key elements required to understand the methanol industry is how pricing works, from a global and regional perspective. The instructors will talk through the cost curve, different industry pricing mechanisms, how prices are discovered and the process used to draw up short and long term price forecasts.


17:00
Closing Remarks and Conclusion of the Workshop

17:00 – 18:00
Welcome Reception (available for sponsorship)

 

 

Day 1: Wednesday, 30 September

All times listed below are in Central European Time (CET)

07:30  – 17:00
Registration

07:30  – 08:30
Welcome Refreshments (available for sponsorship)

08:30  – 08:35
Welcome and Opening Remarks

Mike Nash, Vice President, Global Syngas Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS


Session 1: Global Dynamics: Policy, Trade, and Energy

08:35  – 08:55
Energy Market Overview: Navigating Volatility

Luka Powell, Principal Analyst, Energy Insights, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Session Details

The turmoil caused by the various geopolitical events in addition to growing supplies of hydrocarbon-based energy have forced nations to reassess how — and how long — the evolution from fossil fuels to renewables will play out. Further adding to this uncertainty is the stalling of EV adoption and a reduced collaboration on climate initiatives. Given these dynamics, there is growing confidence that traditional hydrocarbon-based fuels will still be a critical piece of the global energy mix. Join us as we discuss the current and forward pace of change within the energy markets.


08:55  – 09:15
Chemicals in the Crossfire: Decoupling, Defense, and the New Trade Realities

Mariana Santos Moreira, Thought Leadership Director, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

Session Details
In 2026, the chemical industry is confronting a “perfect storm” of geopolitical upheaval and protectionist policy. The total disruption of the Strait of Hormuz has impacted global macroeconomics, disrupting supply chains from energy and feedstocks to chemicals, and forcing global price increases as Middle Eastern trade flows evaporate. These effects will be long-lasting, persisting for months or even years after the conflict ceases. Growing geopolitical tensions have also triggered a rise in “security-first” procurement, blurring the policy lines between defense and supply security. In this session, we dissect the EU’s European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP), as well as updates to defense programs in North America and Asia, as well as rising trade barriers and sanctions, and what these mean for chemicals. We will also examine mainland China’s new industrial modernization strategy and its potential to upend the global supply-demand balance, from commodities to specialty chemicals. Join us to secure the insights you need to lead in this reshaped industrial landscape.

09:15  – 09:35
State of the Nation view of the Global Methanol Market: Trends and Outlook
Mike Nash, Vice President, Global Syngas Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
Session Details

The global methanol market is undergoing a pivotal transformation driven by the energy transition and shifting feedstock availability. This presentation examines core market trends, including the rise of low-carbon “green” methanol and its expanding role in marine fuels and chemical synthesis. By analyzing regional supply-demand imbalances and pricing volatility, we provide an outlook for 2026 and beyond.


09:35  – 09:50
Question & Answer
Moderated by Andrei Akzhigitov, Director, EMEA Methanol, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

09:50  – 10:35
Networking Break (available for sponsorship)

Session 2: Financing the Transition: Project Bankability

10:35  – 11:55

This session features an examination of the methanol project landscape and pillars of bankability across the globe. We’ll explore the project lifecycle with analysis of feedstock sourcing, integrating supply chains, and the mitigation of production cost volatility. Participants will gain insights into how aligning logistical efficiencies with strategic off-take agreements enables the delivery of competitive margins in an evolving energy market.
Speakers to be Announced


11:55 – 12:10
Question & Answer
Moderated by Mike Nash, Vice President, Global Syngas Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

12:10 – 13:40
Networking Lunch (available for sponsorship)

Session 3: The Green Frontier: Decarbonizing the Industry

13:40 – 15:00

Join this session of industry leaders and internal experts as they discuss the methanol industry’s journey toward decarbonization. This session dives into the critical hurdles and emerging breakthroughs defining the transition to a low-carbon future.
Speakers to be Announced


15:00 – 15:15
Question & Answer
Moderated by Maia Dolan, Director, Americas Methanol, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

15:15 – 15:45
Networking Break (available for sponsorship)

Session 4: Fuels Applications for Methanol: A Deep Dive

15:45 – 16:45

This session establishes the regulatory context of the global and regional fuels landscape before analyzing key conventional applications. We examine the short- and long-term growth forecasts driving methanol demand, with specific focus on MTBE, DME, and biodiesel.
Speakers to be Announced


16:45 – 17:00
Question & Answer
Moderated by Xiaomeng Ma, Director, Asia Methanol, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

17:00
Closing Remarks – Day 1 Concludes
Mike Nash, Vice President, Global Syngas Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

17:00 – 18:30
Networking Reception (available for sponsorship)

 

 

Day 2: Thursday, 1 October

All times listed below are in Central European Time (CET)

07:30  – 15:00
Registration

07:30  – 08:30
Welcome Refreshments  (available for sponsorship)

08:30  – 08:35
Welcome and Opening Remarks

Mike Nash, Vice President, Global Syngas Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS


Session 5: Regional Methanol Focus

08:35  – 09:40

Led by Chemical Market Analytics’ regional methanol experts, this session will provide an in-depth analysis of supply-demand balances across key regions. We’ll look at the evolution of global trade patterns as well as the outlook for both grey and low-carbon methanol capacity, where it’s expected to be built and why. Short- and long-term forecasts will be presented, addressing critical questions about future suppliers, buyers, and the dynamics of regional trading.
Speakers : Global Syngas Team


09:40  – 09:55
Question & Answer
Moderated by Mike Nash, Vice President, Global Syngas Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

09:55  – 10:40
Networking Break (available for sponsorship)

Session 6: Marine Fuel and Port Infrastructure

10:40  – 11:50

Topics will focus on the growing use of methanol and ammonia as marine fuels, including perspectives from shipowners and ports, and provide insight into potential demand growth scenarios to inform future supply strategies.
Speakers to be announced


11:50  – 13:05
Networking Lunch (available for sponsorship)

Session 7: Projects and the Role of Technology in Methanol Development

13:05  – 14:05

This session will highlight the technological breakthroughs driving the methanol sector and explore how these innovations are being realized in projects worldwide to meet shifting energy demands.
Speakers to be announced


14:05  – 14:20
Question & Answer
Moderated by Andrei Akzhigitov, Director, EMEA Methanol, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

14:20  – 15:05
Networking Break (available for sponsorship)


Session 8: Downstream Diversification: Methanol Applications

15:05  – 16:05

This session explores how downstream diversification continues to transform methanol’s role in the global economy. We will take a look at its foundation in traditional applications, such as formaldehyde and acetyls, before transitioning to its usage in innovative new applications.
Speakers to be announced


16:05  – 16:20
Question & Answer
Moderated by Mike Nash, Vice President, Global Syngas Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS

16:25
Closing Remarks – WMC 2026 Concludes
Mike Nash, Vice President, Global Syngas Team Lead, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS
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