#China #Zhejiang #Ningbo #Sinopec #Petrochemical

Sinopec Achieves Milestone in Petrochemical Expansion

China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, commonly known as Sinopec, has reached a significant milestone by mechanically completing the second phase of its expansive petrochemical industrial base located in Ningbo, Zhejiang. This base is now recognized as the largest of its kind in China, and this expansion is crucial not just for Sinopec, but also for the broader petrochemical industry.

Expansion Details

The project represents an investment of approximately 41.6 billion CNY and includes the addition of 18 production units. These units encompass advanced technologies such as atmospheric distillation, catalytic cracking, polypropylene processing, and propane dehydrogenation. With the completion of this second phase, the overall refining capacity of the Ningbo facility has now surpassed 50 million tonnes per year.

This achievement amplifies Sinopec's role in the downstream petrochemical market, solidifying its commitment to innovation, smart manufacturing, and energy efficiency in large-scale projects. The increase in production capacity will enable Sinopec to produce around 8 million tonnes of petrochemicals annually, which will significantly bolster supply chains in various sectors, including automotive, appliances, and textiles.

Technological Innovations

This expansion is characterized by remarkable technological progress and sustainability initiatives. Notable advancements include:

• - Integration of Cutting-Edge Technologies: The implementation of 10 core technologies, including the world's highest load labyrinth vertical compressor.
• - Smart Technology Deployment: Extensive use of smart technologies to synchronize digital and physical manufacturing processes.
• - Industrial Optimization: Adoption of a fully localized industrial operating system and a self-developed industrial internet platform that enhances decision-making and management processes.
• - Energy Efficiency: Comprehensive energy-saving measures that have achieved an overall energy consumption reduction of 11.7%.

Throughout the construction phase, safety and quality remained paramount, with over 90 million consecutive hours worked without incidents and a flawless quality rating for all units, setting a new standard within the industry.

Future Outlook

As Sinopec goes forward, the Zhenhai refinery's production of ethylene—currently at 2.2 million tonnes per year—will bolster China's self-sufficiency in vital petrochemical materials. This facility is not only the largest integrated refining and chemical enterprise in Sinopec’s portfolio but is also frequently ranked among the top performers in global ethylene assessments, according to Solomon’s evaluations. The advancements made through this expansion are expected to yield substantial returns on investment and create thousands of billions of yuan in industrial value across the upstream and downstream segments.

In conclusion, Sinopec's completion of this major expansion project marks a pivotal moment within the global petrochemical landscape, establishing its Ningbo facility not only as a hub of innovation but also as a key player in enhancing the security and sustainability of the supply chains it serves.