- the first world-class factory based on energy-saving odc technology
- the new plant strengthens ’s european mdi production network
- invest 200 million euros to create 50 new jobs in tarragona, spain opportunities
in tarragó, spain nathan successfully launched a new world-scale chlorine gas production facility. this is the first world-scale chlorine production plant based on the highly innovative and energy-efficient odc (oxygen depolarized cathode) technology invented by and its partners. the new plant ensures an efficient, sustainable and independent supply of chlorine and sodium hydroxide for mdi production in tarragona. this will strengthen the european production network of mdi – a precursor for the manufacture of rigid polyurethane foams used in refrigeration equipment and building insulation. the €200 million investment will create 50 new jobs.
“the successful start-up of the new plant is good news for and for our plant in tarragona, both economically and ecologically,” said ceo dr. markus steilemann. “the plant demonstrates how new technologies can help us advance our vision of a circular economy, further reducing resource consumption while increasing the stability and efficiency of our production network”.
the new chlorine facility is the world’s first industrial-scale plant to use innovative oxygen depolarized cathode technology (odc). the technology was developed by in cooperation with germany’s thyssenkrupp ag. compared with the traditional chlor-alkali electrolysis method that currently dominates, the new process requires a lower voltage, resulting in energy savings of up to 25%. at the new plant in tarragona, the new process avoids up to 22,000 metric tons of co2 emissions per year compared to existing processes – based on the energy mix at the start of construction planning in 2018. the new plant will thus make an important contribution to ‘s goal of becoming climate neutral by 2035.
chlorine gas is used on site to produce mdi the raw material for mdi, a precursor for the manufacture of rigid polyurethane foams, is used in the production of energy-efficient insulation solutions for construction and refrigeration equipment. the global mdi market produced around 7.5 million tons in 2019 and is expected to grow further in the long-term. in addition to chlorine, the plant will also produce sodium hydroxide for the iberian and european markets. chlorine and sodium hydroxide are both essential chemicals indispensable to the chemical industry and key raw materials for many other strategic sectors.
andrea firenze, managing director of spain, adds: “the start-up of this plant allows us to significantly increase ‘s mdi production in tarragona. having our own independent chlorine supply will allow us to further increase the efficiency of our mdi plant and competitiveness. in addition, the new plant strengthens tarragona’s position as a benchmark for chemistry in southern europe, contributes to the economic and social development of the region and creates many new jobs, both directly and indirectly. therefore, i would like to sincerely thanks to all my colleagues who contributed to the success of this project.”
article source: exclusively compiled by tiantian chemical network
