SABIC taps shale gas with UK plant refit

ERJ staff report (TP)

Teeside, UK – SABIC is modifying its cracker plant in Teesside, UK, into a gas cracker to capitalise on shale gas opportunities in the US.

The cracker upgrade to using shale gas-based feedstock is scheduled to be completed in 2016.

Yousef Al-Benyan, SABIC executive vice president, Chemicals, said: “This project reflects SABIC’s strong determination to take advantage of cutting edge technology in creating new sources of competitive feedstock and energy.”

The cracker conversion will allow SABIC to use its existing facilities to produce olefins and their derivatives more “competitively”.

These products are essential building blocks for materials used in items such as packaging products to protect food, health care products, automotive and building and construction parts.

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