BASF Launches Steam Cracker at Zhanjiang Verbund Site
- The steam cracker at Zhanjiang has an ethylene capacity of one million metric tons per year.
- It is the first in the world to use 100% renewable energy for its main compressors.
- The site supplies basic chemicals like ethylene and propylene to multiple plants.
- Zhanjiang will be BASF's third largest Verbund site globally.
Steam Cracker Launch
BASF has successfully commissioned the steam cracker at its new Verbund site in Zhanjiang, South China. This facility is notable for being the first in the world to use 100% renewable energy to power its main compressors.
Production Capacity
The steam cracker serves as the core of the Verbund site, supplying essential basic chemicals such as ethylene and propylene to various on-site plants. It boasts an ethylene production capacity of one million metric tons per year.
Value Chain Enhancement
This development significantly strengthens BASF's diversified value chains in China, supporting a wide range of industries. The site has also seen the successful start-up of several propylene downstream plants, including those for ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and polyethylene.
Sustainability and Market Focus
Zhanjiang will be BASF's third largest Verbund site globally, following Ludwigshafen and Antwerp. It is designed as a model for sustainable production, with electricity sourced entirely from renewables. The site's products will primarily serve the Chinese market, the largest and fastest-growing chemical market worldwide.
Source: BASF