Construction of a new PTA plant with an annual capacity of 2 million tons has commenced; this is a key project for the development of the aromatic chemicals industry at China National Petroleum Corporation’s Urumqi Petrochemical complex

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On March 22, 2025, an event marking the simultaneous commencement of major projects in Xinjiang’s first quarter was held. At the Urumqi venue, a key project related to the development of the aromatic chemicals industry carried out by China National Petroleum Corporation’s Urumqi Petrochemical Company was officially launched. 　　The key projects for the development of the aromatics industry at China National Petroleum Corporation’s Urumqi Petrochemical Company include the expansion of aromatics production facilities and related upgrades to the raw material supply systems, as well as a new project to produce 2 million tons per year of purified terephthalic acid (PTA). The expansion project for the aromatic compounds facility and the related upgrades to the raw material supply will involve modifying the existing 1.8 million tons per year diesel hydrotreating unit to increase the production of naphtha and jet fuel. Building on the existing equipment of the 1 million tons per year aromatic compounds complex, new units for continuous reforming with a capacity of 2 million tons per year and aromatic extraction with a capacity of 800,000 tons per year will be constructed. The existing adsorption separation and pressure swing adsorption (PSA) systems will also be upgraded to meet the energy-saving and carbon-reduction goals while better satisfying the raw material needs for the development of the aromatic compounds industry in the autonomous region. The new 2 million tons per year purified terephthalic acid (PTA) production project includes a 2 million tons per year PTA plant, along with the necessary utility systems and auxiliary production facilities. Once operational, it will supply sufficient raw materials for Xinjiang’s textile and clothing industry as well as its biodegradable plastics industry, helping to develop a complete industrial chain that covers refining, chemical processing, textiles, and apparel manufacturing. 　　Xia Gang, deputy manager of the Project Construction Department for the aromatic compounds industry at Urumqi Petrochemical Company, said that these two key projects for the development of the aromatic compounds industry represent a \"critical link\" in connecting the entire industrial chain of chemicals and textiles in Xinjiang. They are expected to be completed and put into operation in the third quarter of 2027. Upon completion, the project will help develop a polyester industry cluster worth over 100 billion yuan, thereby providing strong impetus for Xinjiang to become a hub for the modern chemical industry.