- Expansion adds 26,000 t/year capacity by mid-2019.
- Total chlorine production will reach 217,000 t/year.
- European ban on mercury technology reduced supply.
- Membrane technology used for new production capacity.
Expansion Authorization
Ercros has received authorization from the Government of Catalonia to expand the chlorine and caustic soda production plant at Vila-seca I. This third expansion will add 26,000 t/year, bringing the total capacity to 217,000 t/year by mid-2019.
Market Demand
The decision to expand is driven by strong market demand for caustic soda and chlorine derivatives, influenced by a robust economy and a global decrease in supply due to the European ban on mercury technology since December 2017.
Technology and Capacity
Ercros compensated for the lost capacity from the mercury plant closures by commissioning 80,000 t/year of membrane technology in early 2018. An additional 26,000 t/year expansion was announced in March 2018, expected to be operational by the end of the year. The new expansion will further align production with pre-ban levels.
Future Prospects
The General Directorate of Environmental Quality and Climate Change of Catalonia has authorized further expansions based on market conditions and investment profitability. Sector forecasts suggest the current market situation will persist until at least the end of 2020, as Europe recovers production capacity lost due to the technology shift.
