- Repsol will invest €105 million in the Puertollano Industrial Complex.
- The plant will be operational by the end of 2024.
- It will produce 15,000 tons of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) annually.
- Repsol has selected DSM's technology for the plant.
Investment and Timeline
Repsol will invest 105 million euros in the Puertollano Industrial Complex to build the first plant in the Iberian Peninsula capable of manufacturing ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The plant is expected to be operational by the end of 2024 and will have an annual capacity of 15,000 tons.
Technology and Partners
For the construction of the plant, Repsol has selected the technology of DSM, a renowned UHMWPE producer based in the Netherlands. This involves the use of cutting-edge, proven technology that adapts to the needs of customers.
Material Properties and Applications
UHMWPE is a material known for its exceptional hardness, strength, high impact resistance, toughness, and self-lubricating capacity. It can replace steel in some applications and is used in products such as lithium-ion battery separators, construction profiles, coatings, parts for personal and military protection, and medical applications like prostheses, implants, and dialysis filters.
Market and Employment Impact
The UHMWPE market is growing due to the material's extraordinary characteristics, combining excellent mechanical properties with high lightness. The construction and start-up of the plant will require around 700 professionals from various disciplines, promoting direct, indirect, and induced employment. This project represents a significant commitment to industrial development and socioeconomic growth in the area.
