Belgian chemical industry news

• Freepoint Eco-Systems and North Sea Port to Develop Advanced Plastics Recycling Facility in Belgium

  30 May 2024

  Biobased & CircularPolymers

  

  The facility will recycle 80,000 metric tons of plastic annually, with future expansion to 160,000 tons. Construction starts post-permitting in 2025, supporting circular economy and low-carbon goals.
• TotalEnergies Announces New Battery Storage Project in Belgium

  3 April 2024

  Biobased & CircularEnergy

  

  A new 25 MW, 75 MWh battery storage project in Feluy will boost Belgium's storage capacity to 50 MW, 150 MWh, aiding grid resilience and renewable energy growth. Completion expected by end of 2025.
• Europe Risks Offshoring Industry, Jobs, and Emissions

  20 February 2024

  Base chemistryPolymersSteam crackerRefinery

  

  Sir Jim Ratcliffe urges the EU to address high energy costs, carbon taxes, and lack of renewal in the chemical sector to prevent further offshoring and industrial decline.
• PanTera and Bayer Sign Actinium-225 Supply Agreement

  13 February 2024

  CDMOPharma

  

  Starting in late 2024, PanTera will supply actinium-225, enhancing access for clinical trials and developing a large-scale production facility to meet global demand for radiopharma-based cancer treatments.
• EU Outlines Plan for Carbon Management to Achieve Climate Neutrality by 2050

  6 February 2024

  Biobased & CircularIndustrial gasses

  

  The EU aims to cut emissions by 90% by 2040, develop CO2 storage, and create a CO2 market. Actions include regulatory frameworks, funding, research, and international cooperation.

• BASF Expands Ethylene Oxide Complex in Antwerp

  16 October 2023

  Base chemistry

  

  The expansion adds 400,000 metric tons/year capacity, includes a second ethylene oxide plant, and creates 100+ jobs, supporting growth in Europe for detergent, automotive, and construction industries.
• Lhyfe to Develop Green Hydrogen Production Site in Epinal, France

  6 July 2023

  Biobased & CircularEnergyIndustrial gasses

  

  Selected by Epinal Urban Community, Lhyfe will build a green hydrogen site by 2027, targeting transport and industry, enhancing local industrial ecology, pending permits and investments.
• Kent Secures FEED Contract for ExxonMobil's Recycling Projects in Rotterdam and Antwerp

  28 June 2023

  Biobased & CircularPolymers

  

  Kent will provide FEED services for advanced recycling units at seven sites, building on their success in Baytown. This project aims to enhance recycling efficiency and support circular economy goals.
• Solvay Announces New Company Names

  16 June 2023

  

  Solvay's planned separation into two companies will be completed by December 2023. One will focus on sustainable solutions, the other on scientific innovation. Net sales in 2022 were €5.6bn and €7.9bn, respectively.
• ArcelorMittal and LanzaTech Produce First Ethanol from Ghent CCU Facility

  14 June 2023

  Biobased & CircularEnergyIndustrial gasses

  

  The Ghent facility captures steelmaking gases, converting them into ethanol. It aims to produce 80M liters annually, reducing emissions by 125,000 tonnes, supporting the EU's 2030 Climate Target Plan.
• BASF Expands Alkoxylate Production in Europe

  6 June 2023

  SpecialtiesPharma

  

  The expansion boosts capacity by over 150,000 metric tons annually, enhancing supply security and flexibility for European customers in various industries, including detergents, automotive, and construction.
• TotalEnergies Launches Largest European Battery Storage Project in Antwerp

  15 May 2023

  Energy

  

  The 25 MW, 75 MWh battery project at Antwerp refinery will stabilize the grid, support renewable energy integration, and enhance TotalEnergies' presence in Belgium's electricity value chain.
• INEOS Inovyn Invests in 90,000-Panel Solar Farm to Cut CO2 Emissions in Belgium

  5 May 2023

  Energy

  

  The solar farm will supply 57,000 MWh annually, cutting 14,000 tonnes of CO2. It's part of a plan to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.
• Air Liquide and Holcim Partner to Decarbonize Belgian Cement Plant

  2 May 2023

  Base chemistryBiobased & Circular

  

  The project will use CryocapTM technology to cut CO2 emissions by 1.1 million tons annually, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. The captured CO2 will be stored offshore via Antwerp@C CO2 Export Hub.
• Morssinkhof-Rymoplast Invests in PET Recycling Plant in Belgium

  27 March 2023

  Biobased & CircularPolymers

  

  Awarded a nine-year contract, the new plant will recycle 27,500 tonnes of PET annually, using advanced technology to handle complex materials and produce high-quality recycled PET.
• Air Liquide Develops Ammonia-to-Hydrogen Technology in Antwerp

  23 March 2023

  EnergyIndustrial gasses

  

  A new pilot plant in Antwerp will convert ammonia to hydrogen with an optimized carbon footprint, supporting the energy transition. Operational in 2024, it receives financial backing from the Flemish Government.
• New Recycling Plant in Lommel to Process Butter Tubs and Shampoo Bottles

  16 March 2023

  Biobased & CircularPolymers

  

  A new recycling plant in Lommel will process 40,000 tonnes of plastic annually, creating 65 jobs. Operational by October 2024, it supports Belgium's circular economy and sustainable practices.
• BASF Reports 2022 Resilience, Implements Cost-Saving Measures in Europe

  24 February 2023

  

  In 2022, sales rose 11.1% to €87.3B, but EBIT fell 11.5%. High energy costs and impairments impacted earnings. Cost-saving measures aim to save €500M annually and reduce CO2 emissions by 4%.
• INEOS Secures €3.5 Billion for Europe's Greenest Cracker in Antwerp

  13 February 2023

  Refinery

  

  The new Antwerp cracker will have the lowest carbon footprint in Europe, use low carbon hydrogen, and create 450 jobs. Supported by 21 banks, the €3.5B financing includes €1.5B uncovered debt.
• Engie and Equinor Complete H2BE Feasibility Study in Ghent

  1 February 2023

  EnergyIndustrial gasses

  

  The 1 GW H2BE hydrogen project at Rodenhuize in Ghent moves to the next development phase, with over 20 potential off-takers and support from investment funds and Belgian authorities.
• PureCycle to Build First European Recycling Plant in Belgium

  17 January 2023

  Biobased & CircularPolymers

  

  The new plant in Antwerp-Bruges' NextGen District will recycle 59,000 metric tons of polypropylene annually, with potential expansion. Construction starts post-permitting in 2024, creating 65-70 jobs.
• Borealis Acquires Majority Stake in Renasci's Ostend Facility

  12 January 2023

  Biobased & CircularPolymers

  

  The acquisition boosts access to chemically recycled feedstock, enhancing the portfolio of recycled products and supporting circular economy goals with Renasci's Smart Chain Processing technology.
• INEOS Begins Construction of Ethane Cracker in Antwerp

  16 December 2022

  Refinery

  

  A symbolic sheet pile was driven in Antwerp, marking the start of a major ethane cracker project. The plant will employ thousands, produce ethylene sustainably, and is set to be operational by 2026.
• EU Funds Awarded for Antwerp@C CO2 Export Hub

  12 December 2022

  Base chemistryIndustrial gasses

  

  The EU granted €144.6M for building CO2 transport and export facilities at Antwerp port, aiming to halve CO2 emissions by 2030 with an initial capacity of 2.5 Mtpa, scalable to 10 Mtpa.
• ArcelorMittal Launches Carbon Capture Project in Ghent

  8 December 2022

  Biobased & CircularEnergyIndustrial gasses

  

  The €200M Steelanol project uses LanzaTech's tech to convert waste gases into ethanol, reducing emissions by 125,000 tonnes annually. A €35M Torero project will further cut emissions by 112,500 tonnes.
• Chevron Phillips Chemical Expands PAO Unit in Belgium

  14 November 2022

  Specialties

  

  The PAO unit expansion in Beringen will boost production, create jobs, and support global demand for PAOs used in lubricants, greases, and innovative applications like electric vehicles and windmills.
• Chevron Expands at North Sea Port Ghent

  4 November 2022

  

  Chevron is adding a 2,000 m² logistics hall for additive storage at its Ghent site, equipped with solar panels. This marks the first phase of a broader expansion strategy.