The Yueyang ethylene refining and chemical integration project, with a total investment of 35.68 billion yuan, has entered a crucial phase of site handover and foundation treatment!

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The Yueyang ethylene refining and chemical integration project, with a total investment of 35.68 billion yuan, has entered a crucial phase of site handover and foundation treatment! As the largest industrial project in Hunan Province to date in terms of investment, the Sinopec Yueyang 1 million tons per year ethylene refining and chemical integration project, along with related oil refining upgrades, with a total investment of 35.68 billion yuan (referred to as the “Yueyang Ethylene Project”), is now entering a critical phase of development. To date, the project has completed the handover of the land for the main facility area, site leveling, and most of the dynamic compaction work; it is now in the phase of equipment procurement and preparation for the construction of the main structure, with official operation expected to begin in 2027. The final push to implement this project will not only reshape the landscape of Yueyang’s petrochemical industry but also drive a strategic transformation in the petrochemical sector in Central China, aimed at reducing oil production and increasing chemical production. Project Overview: The Yueyang Ethylene Project has attracted significant attention from the industry since its initiation. Key information regarding its approval, investment, and layout underscores the project’s strategic importance and overall strength. The project was developed under the leadership of Sinopec Hunan Petrochemical Co., Ltd. (Hunan Petrochemical), and went through a rigorous approval process: it received official approval from the Hunan Provincial Development and Reform Commission on September 16, 2023, and obtained the environmental impact assessment approval from the Hunan Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment on December 13 of the same year, laying a solid foundation for the lawful and compliant advancement of the project. In terms of investment scale, the total investment of 35.68 billion yuan set a record for individual industrial project investments in Hunan, far exceeding that of similar chemical projects in the region. The project is located in the Changling and Baling areas of the Yueyang Green Chemical High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, with a total land area of 254.9 hectares (approximately 3,823.5 mu), of which 200 hectares in the Changling North New Area serve as the core construction area. In terms of the schedule, construction on the project began officially on January 3, 2024. An investment of 2.08 billion yuan is planned for 2025, with completion expected by 2027. The rapid pace from start of construction to operation reflects the efficiency with which the project is being advanced. Construction details: The project is based on the core concept of \"ethylene refining and chemical processing integration.\" It involves the construction of 18 chemical processing units along with related oil refining upgrades, thereby creating a complete industrial cycle that includes oil refining, ethylene production, and the manufacture of downstream derivatives. Additionally, the project is equipped with comprehensive energy supply facilities. 1. Two core projects: ethylene-driven + refining support. The ethylene project serves as the core of the initiative and comprises 14 units, which are located in both the Changling New Area and the Baling Old Area. 10 new key units have been constructed in the Changling New Area. The 1 million tons per year ethylene plant serves as the \"heart\" of the entire project; in addition, facilities for the hydrogenation of 500,000 tons per year of pyrolysis gasoline, aromatics extraction on a scale of 300,000 tons per year, EVA production at 300,000 tons per year, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) production at 400,000 tons per year have also been built, covering the entire process from ethylene production to the processing of high-value-added products downstream ； The Baling old industrial area is equipped with 4 sets of specialized facilities, including units for the separation of C5 compounds at a capacity of 150,000 tons per year, production of propylene oxide at 300,000 tons per year, and production of phenol and other substances at capacities of 220,000/130,000 tons per year, all focused on the manufacturing of fine chemical products. The supporting refineries renovation projects are being carried out simultaneously; 4 units will be built, including a 3 million tons per year hydrocracking complex and a 60,000 tons per year sulfur recovery unit. By optimizing the refining process, high-quality raw materials can be supplied for ethylene cracking, thereby achieving synergy between oil processing and chemical production. 2. Supporting facilities: Energy supply ensures stable operation. To support the operation of large-scale facilities, the project is equipped with sufficient energy supply systems: 3 new 410t/h high-temperature and high-pressure coal-fired boilers as well as 2 50MW backpressure turbines have been installed in the Changling area, while 2 520t/h high-temperature and high-pressure coal-fired boilers (one in use and one as a backup) are available in the Baling area. This setup creates a stable supply system for heat and electricity, ensuring the continuous and efficient operation of the facilities.