European Chemical Industry News & Insights

VKG Opens Third Petroter Oil Shale Plant

At a glance
  • The Petroter III plant construction began in October 2013 and launched in September 2015.
  • The project value is 84 million EUR.
  • The plant processes 1 million tons of oil shale annually, producing 135,000 tons of oil products.
  • The project created 300 direct and 100 indirect jobs in Ida-Virumaa.

Project Overview

Viru Keemia Grupp (VKG) has opened its third oil shale processing plant utilizing Petroter technology. The grand opening was attended by Kristen Michal, Estonia's Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure.

Technological Advancements

The Petroter III plant represents a significant step in modernizing Estonia's oil shale sector. It aims to increase the share of energy derived from oil shale while reducing environmental impact and boosting efficiency. The plant's energy efficiency exceeds 75%, and it significantly lowers the ecological footprint compared to older technologies.

Construction and Launch

Construction of the Petroter III plant began in October 2013 and was completed by September 2015. The plant reached full capacity within a week of its launch, thanks to prior experience and scheduled operations.

Production Capacity

The plant processes approximately 1 million tons of oil shale annually, yielding about 135,000 tons of oil products. Additionally, by-products such as electricity and heat energy are utilized for heating nearby towns.

Economic Impact

The Petroter III project, valued at 84 million EUR, has created 300 direct and 100 indirect jobs in Ida-Virumaa. The project is one of the largest private sector investments in Estonia in recent years.