European Chemical Industry News & Insights

Borealis to Build 750,000 Tonne/Year PDH Plant in Belgium

At a glance
  • The PDH plant will have a production capacity of 750,000 tonnes per year and start up in the first half of 2022.
  • Honeywell UOP’s Oleflex™ technology will be used for propylene production.
  • Oiltanking Antwerp Gas Terminal will handle logistics and build a 135,000 m³ propane storage tank.
  • By-product hydrogen will be sold to Air Liquide under a long-term agreement.

Project Overview

Borealis has decided to build a new propane dehydrogenation (PDH) plant at its existing production site in Kallo, Antwerp, Belgium. The plant, scheduled to start up in the first half of 2022, will have a production capacity of 750,000 tonnes per year, making it one of the largest and most efficient PDH facilities globally.

Technology and Logistics

The new plant will utilize Honeywell UOP’s Oleflex™ technology, known for its reliability and sustainability in on-purpose propylene production. Oiltanking Antwerp Gas Terminal will be the long-term logistics partner, responsible for handling propylene and propane. They will also construct a new 135,000 m³ propane storage tank to support the facility.

By-Product Utilization

The hydrogen produced as a by-product of the dehydrogenation process will be sold to Air Liquide under a long-term agreement. This arrangement ensures efficient use of all outputs from the plant.

Energy Efficiency

The investment includes provisions for potential cogeneration technology, which could significantly contribute to the Flemish climate and energy objectives. The support of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) will be crucial in finalizing the technical aspects of the project.