INEOS Olefins Belgium Receives Permit for Project ONE in Antwerp
- The project involves an investment of over 3 billion euros.
- Construction is expected to start this summer and take approximately 4 years.
- The ethane cracker will reduce CO2 emissions by 2 million tonnes annually.
- Project ONE aims to be climate neutral within 10 years of start-up.
Project Overview
Flemish Minister of Environment Zuhal Demir has granted the environmental permit to INEOS Olefins Belgium for Project ONE, enabling the construction of Europe's most sustainable steam cracker in Antwerp. Preparatory works are set to begin this summer.
Environmental Impact
INEOS Olefins Belgium will adhere to stringent environmental regulations, aiming to renew and sustain the chemical cluster in Flanders. The ethane cracker will have the lowest carbon footprint in Europe, three times lower than the average European steam cracker and less than half of the top 10% best performers.
Investment and Job Creation
Project ONE represents an investment of over 3 billion euros, breaking the trend of similar investments going to regions like China, the United States, and the Middle East. The project will create 450 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs in the region.
Technological Advancements
The ethane cracker will significantly reduce CO2 emissions, offering an alternative to outdated naphtha-based plants. The project aims to cut 2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. By reusing hydrogen from the cracking process, 60% of the cracker's heat consumption will be met with zero-carbon energy.
Future Goals
Project ONE aims to be climate neutral within 10 years of start-up, leveraging technologies like carbon capture and storage, increased hydrogen use, and potential electrification of the crackers. The target year for operation is 2026, with construction expected to take approximately four years.