- The project costs are estimated at €310 million.
- The new unit will have a production capacity of up to 270 kt per year.
- Construction begins in Q2 2016 with local subcontractors.
- The unit will use technology licensed from INEOS.
Project Overview
Unipetrol and Italian Technip have signed a contract to construct a new polyethylene unit (PE3) at the Litvinov plant. This project represents the largest investment in the history of the Czech petrochemical industry, valued at €212 million, with overall project costs estimated at €310 million. The unit is expected to be operational by mid-2018.
Production Capacity
The new PE3 unit will have a production capacity of up to 270 kt per year, replacing the older PE1 unit. The existing PE2 unit, with a capacity of 200 kt per year, will remain operational. This investment aims to increase the utilization of the ethylene unit and enhance the integration of Unipetrol Group's petrochemical and refining production.
Construction Timeline
Construction is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2016. During the most intensive phases, approximately 1,000 workers will be on-site, with most subcontractors hired locally. Currently, companies Metrostav and ČKD Praha DIZ are preparing the site for the new production units.
Technology and Industrial Reach
The new polyethylene unit will be built using technology licensed from INEOS, acquired by Unipetrol at the end of 2013. This advanced technology will enable the company to expand into new industrial segments, including the cosmetic and packaging industries.
