- €1.6bn investment planned from 2012 to 2015, 60% more than the previous plan
- €500m investment in the Green District project at Porto Torres for bio-monomers and bio-polymers
- €350m dedicated to converting the Priolo chemical plant by 2015
- New butadiene line at Dunkerque to support elastomer production
Investment and Growth Strategy
Eni's chemicals division, now rebranded as Versalis, is implementing a new strategy focused on innovation and market expansion. From 2012 to 2015, the company plans to invest €1.6bn, a 60% increase from the previous plan. This investment aims to enhance critical Italian sites, grow the elastomers business, and enter new markets.
Green District Project
Versalis is heavily investing in the Green District project at Porto Torres, in partnership with Novamont. With over €500m allocated, the project will construct one of the world's largest industrial complexes for producing bio-monomers and bio-polymers. The project includes seven production plants and a research center, with completion expected in three phases over five years.
Site Upgrades and New Plants
A significant portion of the investment, over €350m, is dedicated to converting the Priolo chemical plant by 2015. This includes upgrades to cracking and polyethylene plants and the construction of new facilities to ensure profitability and increase employment.
Elastomers Business Expansion
Versalis plans to invest over €500m in the elastomers sector, aiming to double turnover and increase margins from 15% to 30% within five years. This will involve strengthening existing production lines and developing new plants at Ravenna, Ferrara, and Grangemouth (UK). A new butadiene line at Dunkerque will support raw material supply for elastomer production.
Emerging Markets and Technology
Versalis is expanding into emerging markets, particularly in Asia, using proprietary technology for joint ventures. The company has established a presence in China with Eni Chemicals Shanghai and Versalis Pacific, focusing on distributing products and operating across Asian markets.