- Investment in a second production line for chlorine and caustic soda
- Completion expected by 2021
- 'E-flex' technology adjusts production with electricity supply
- Construction to start in 2019
Investment and Upgrades
AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals is set to upgrade its Rotterdam chlor-alkali plant by investing in a second, independent production line for chlorine and caustic soda. This upgrade will also include the implementation of new 'e-flex' technology, which automatically adjusts production in line with electricity supplies.
Project Timeline
The new production line is scheduled for completion by 2021. Construction for the new facilities is expected to start in 2019, with the company currently preparing the necessary permitting documentation.
Production and Capacity
The Rotterdam plant, which houses the largest single-line electrolysis unit in Europe, has a production capacity of over 630,000 tons per year of chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen. The new production line will ensure a continuous supply of chlorine, even during maintenance, and will allow for future capacity expansion to meet growing demand.
Technological Advancements
The 'e-flex' technology, implemented this month, uses data analytics to automatically adjust chlorine production levels based on electricity supply changes, optimizing costs. This flexibility in chemical production and electricity generation will also help energy providers balance supply fluctuations from renewable sources like wind power.
