Braskem approves R$4.2bn expansion adding 220,000 t/yr ethylene and PE in Rio
- Investment of R$4.2 billion to increase Rio de Janeiro complex capacity by 220,000 t/yr ethylene and equivalent polyethylene.
- Basic engineering phase already approved with a R$233 million budget.
- Project scheduled for completion by end-2028 and requires additional financing beyond REIQ-approved resources for 2025–2026.
- Board approved negotiating a long-term ethane supply agreement with Petrobras to secure feedstock and boost competitiveness.
Project summary
Braskem's Board approved R$4.2 billion to expand its Rio de Janeiro petrochemical complex by 220,000 t/yr of ethylene and equivalent polyethylene capacity.
Engineering and schedule
The basic engineering phase, budgeted at R$233 million, was approved in February; the full project is slated for completion by end‑2028.
Financing and supply
The expansion requires additional financing beyond resources already approved under the REIQ regime for 2025–2026 and remains subject to capital‑structure decisions; the Board also approved negotiating a long‑term ethane supply agreement with Petrobras, currently in final stages.
Operational intent
The project aims to increase the share of gas in Braskem's feedstock mix to reduce costs and emissions and to modernize the industrial park as part of the company's Transformation Program.
Source: braskem.com.br
