The flurry of interest from chemical producers in building new North American ethylene capacity seems likely to continue in coming years, spurred by continued regional discoveries of shale gas to use as feedstock, according to the latest Hydrocarbon Processing poll.

Thus far, only Dow Chemical has unveiled a specific timetable for a new North American cracker, which it plans to start up along the US Gulf coast by 2017.

But in the Hydrocarbon Processing poll, 77% of industry readers predict that four or more crackers will be built in North America by 2020.

By grouping, 46% expect between four and seven to be built, while 18% predict between eight and 10. Moreover, 13% say there will likely be more than 10 new crackers in the region.

Only 23% of readers said new ethylene crackers would be limited to three or lower.

Officials from Shell, Chevron Phillips Chemical, and LyondellBasell have all said they are either planning or considering new facilities in North America.

In addition, media reports in June said US olefins producer Petrologistics was mulling a deal with Bayer to build an ethane cracker at Bayer’s New Martinsville site in West Virginia.

Other producers, such as NOVA Chemicals, have stated plans to expand current ethylene facilities.

For more poll details and access to prior results, click here.

(Editor’s note: Polls are where we at Hydrocarbon Processing gather industry sentiment on significant issues of the day. Visit the HP home page to weigh in on our latest poll regarding the future of floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) projects.)