Other news
Nouryon reduces carbon dioxide emissions with additional bio-steam supply
Nouryon will increase the use of bio-steam at its salt production at Hengelo, in the Netherlands, making the production more sustainable and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
AFYREN secures over 60 million euros of financing to move into its industrial development phase
In order to offer industrial firms a reliable alternative to using acids based on oil derivatives, AFYREN has confirmed the production of bio-based organic acids on a pre-industrial scale for use with multiple applications. Today, AFYREN is launching its industrial development phase after securing total financing of 60 million euros, including a 21 million euro capital increase.
Braskem and Haldor Topsoe start up demo unit for developing renewable MEG
The mechanical completion of the innovative first process step of the demonstration plant is the first milestone to be achieved by Braskem and Haldor Topsoe’s partnership to validate the MOSAIK™ sugar-to-biochemicals solution for production of cost-competitive bio-based MEG (monoethylene glycol). Currently, MEG is made from fossil-based feedstocks, such as naphtha, gas or coal. The demonstration plant is expected to produce more than 100 tons per year of glycolaldehyde, the precursor for MEG, when it begins operation on March 1, 2019. MEG is a key component of PET plastic used for food packaging, especially bottles, and polyester fabrics. The global MEG market represents a value of 25 billion dollars.
First production of isobutene from wheat straw at demo scale
New phase for the H2020 Optisochem project after 18 months of activity. Sugars from wheat straw produced at Clariant’s Sunliquid® pre-commercial plant have been shipped to Global Bioenergies’ Leuna demo plant. Successful test runs for production of straw-based isobutene, batches delivered to INEOS for evaluation
INEOS Announces €2.7 Billion investment in new European Chemical Complex
Today INEOS has approved a €2.7 billion capital project to build both a world scale ethane cracker and a PDH (Propane Dehydrogenation) unit in Northern Europe. Both units will benefit from US shale gas economics.
This will be the first new cracker built in Europe for two decades. It will also be one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly plants of its type in the world.
The location of the site will be determined soon and it is likely to be on the coast of North West Europe. A project team has been assigned to consider options and the project is expected to be completed within four years.
Gerd Franken, Chairman INEOS Olefins and Polymers North says, “This new project will increase INEOS self-sufficiency in all key olefin products and give further support to our derivatives business and polymer plants in Europe. All our assets will benefit from our ability to import competitive raw materials from the USA and the rest of the world”
This new investment follows a decision taken by INEOS last year to increase the capacity of its existing crackers.
Jim Ratcliffe adds, “INEOS is going from strength to strength. This new investment builds on the huge investment we made in bringing US shale gas to Europe and will ensure the long-term future of our European chemical plants.”
