- The environmental permit for Project ONE was reconfirmed on 7 January 2024.
- The ethane cracker will have carbon emissions three times lower than the average European cracker.
- The initial permit application dates back to July 2021.
- The project is the largest grassroot investment in the European chemical industry in 20 years.
Environmental Permit Approval
The environmental permit for Project ONE has been granted, allowing the construction and operation of Europe's most sustainable ethane cracker. This decision provides clarity for all employees and subcontractors involved and offers hope to other companies in Flanders with similar projects.
Commitment to Sustainability
INEOS will adhere to the strictest environmental regulations in developing the Antwerp site. The ethane cracker will have carbon emissions three times lower than the average European cracker and less than half of the 10% best-performing plants in Europe, thanks to best available techniques and maximum energy efficiency.
Permit Application Process
In October, INEOS Olefins Belgium amended its permit application following the Council for Permit Disputes' ruling in July 2023, which annulled the permit granted in June 2022. INEOS addressed the Council's comments with an 800-page assessment, leading to the minister's decision on 7 January 2024 to reconfirm the permit.
Strategic Importance
The project aligns with the European Commission's goals of strategic autonomy, sustainability, and competitiveness. It is the largest grassroot investment in the European chemical industry in 20 years and will reinforce the Port of Antwerp's role as Europe's largest chemical cluster, contributing to Europe's strategic autonomy at the beginning of the value chain.
