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construction review
Cspc, A Cnooc-Shell Jv Invests $8Bn To Expand Huizhou Phase 3 Ethylene And The Polycarbonate Projects In ChinaIn its latest investment, CSPC, a CNOOC-Shell JV, has pumped $8bn (60 billion yuan) to expand its petrochemical facilities in South China. The two projects are Huizhou Phase 3 Ethylene Project and the Polycarbonate Project. Both are already under construction and expect completion before 2030.
The world’s largest mobility retailer by number of sites, Shell, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) formed the CNOOC-Shell JV in 2000. The duo has been involved in petrochemical projects in China and around the world.
This latest financial investment decision will see the CNOOC-Shell JV not only expand the two petrochemical projects in Huizhou, South China, but also increase their influence in the “high-end new material” markets.
The third phase of the project broke ground in May 2023. It consists of 18 sets of processing units, and an ethylene plant. The plant will produce 1.6 million tons per annum of high quality, green, chemicals products. The petrochemical project also reports to apply sustainable practices in the production process. There is ample focus on decarbonization, and the mentioned “green” petrochemical products.
The $8bn investment by the CNOOC-Shell JV will also strengthen the Daya Bay Petrochemical Industry Park indirectly as projected market speculations point to.
The third phase of Huizhou Ethylene Project follows the phases 1 and 2 that currently produce 2.2 million tons of petrochemical products per annum.
Name: Huizhou Phase 3 Ethylene Project
Client: CNOOC and Shell Petrochemical Companies (CSPC)
Ground breaking date: 2023
Completion date: 2028
Current production by phases 1 and 2 projects: 2.2 million t/a
Future estimated production: 3.8 million t/a
The $8bn investment by CSPC will also see the building of three mega units plus R&D facilities. The three units will produce 260,000 t/a, 240,000 t/a, and 220,000 t/a of Polycarbonate, Bisphenol (A), and Carbonate Disphenyl Ester respectively. The completion date of the Polycarbonate project in China is slated for 2026.
Name: Polycarbonate Project
Client: CNOOC and Shell Petrochemical Companies (CSPC)
Ground breaking date: 2023
Completion date: 2026
Future estimated production: 320,000 t/a
The $8bn investment by CNOOC-Shell JV to expand the two petrochemical projects in South China will also serve a visionary purpose.
According to CSPC’s CEO, Gao Yu, this investment on the expansions will “enhance the operational and energy efficiency of integrated refining and chemical operations”. This will further help CNOOC-Shell JV, CSPC, leverage the “Banyan Tree Effect”. The banyan tree is often associated with stability and longevity in many cultures, predominantly in Asian cultures.
Progress on the two petrochemical complexes in well on track with completion set to feature “high-standards” for what will become the best petrochemical company in China.
The oil and gas industry is the backbone, if not one of the most important, of all the other industries in the world. It finds its touch in consumer goods, medicine, housing, construction, transportation, and nearly every other major sector in the world. The petrochemical sector is the banyan tree of the oil and gas industry, and that is not changing soon.
Also read: A hydrogen-fueled future: Singapore invests $1bn in new power plant
Also read: Beyond limits: “The Three Gorges Dam Above Earth” project unveiled by Chinafactory
Jan 15, 2025
construction review
Chinese Firm To Construct Guinea’S Largest Alumina Processing PlantThe China-based company State Power Investment Corp is set to commence the construction of its alumina plant this year in Guinea. This facility will be unique in that it will be Guinea’s Largest Alumina Processing Plant. The Chinese company that will be undertaking this project has been processing bauxite in Guinea for the past three years.
According to SPIC, the construction works of the facility will commence in March and are expected to be finished by the end of the year 2027. This refinery will boast an impressive capacity of 1.2 million tons of alumina.
Project Overview: SPIC is building Guinea’s largest alumina processing plant, with an annual production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes of alumina.
Location: The plant is located in Guinea, West Africa.
Construction timeline: The project is set to commence in March 2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Current Largest Plant: The new plant will dwarf the current largest refinery, United Co. Rusal Friguia’s plant, which produces 600,000 tonnes annually.
Power Plant: SPIC will also construct a 250-megawatt power plant, with 100 megawatts being supplied to the national grid.
Bauxite Production: SPIC exported 3.14 million tonnes of bauxite in 2023.
Government Involvement: Guinea’s military government has been encouraging mining companies to develop on-site processing facilities to boost economic growth.
Concession Terms: The government reserves the right to withdraw the mining concession if SPIC does not reach commercial production by December 2028
Also read: Guinea Floating Nuclear Power Plants to be Constructed as the Country Partners with Russia for the Implementation of the Project
This processing plant will become the biggest in the country upon completion. It will be rival to Russia owned United Co. Rusal Friguia’s refinery which possesses the capacity of producing at least 600,000 tons annually.
Furthermore, SPIC will also embark on constructing a 250MW power plant and supply 100MW to the national grid. This information was also revealed by the statement. The company got to ship 3.14 million tons of bauxite in the year 2023.
The military government of Guinea has been luring mining firms in the world’s biggest exporter of bauxite. This ore gets processed in order to come up with alumina. It has been luring them to set up processing facilities in the country in order to boost its general economic growth and development.
The agreement with SPIC with the government of Guinea come in barely a couple of months after the junta. It was led by General Mamadi Doumbouya who blocked the bauxite shipments belonging to Emirates Global Aluminium until the country speed up its refinery project.
“The state gets to reserve the right to withdraw the mining concession from State Power Investment Corp. This will be done If the company doesn’t reach commercial production by December 2028,” the statement stated.
Also read: AfDB Approves $80 Million for Senegal-Guinea Road Projectfactory
Jan 04, 2025
construction review
Nigeria’S Warri Refinery Operations Restart After $898 Million RevampNigeria did reveal on Monday that it has just again resumed its Warri Refinery Operations. This project has been revived after a decade of quite a number of shutdowns. The shutdowns posed a challenge to one of a string of long-running challenges that have paralysed Africa’s largest crude exporter to a point that it had to import most of its fuel.
Moreover, the Nigerian government has also promised to revive most of its moribund refineries. These refineries have been hit with several years of neglect, infrastructure damage and even accusations of mismanagement.
Also read: The Dangote Petroleum Refinery Officially Commences Production: The Largest in Africa
Capacity: 125,000 barrels per day
Location: Ekpan, Uwvie, and Ubeji areas of Warri
Products: It produces 13,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTA) of polypropylene and 18,000 MTA of carbon black
Recent Developments: The NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, announced the resumption of operations on December 30, 2024. Although the repairs are not yet 100% complete, the facility has commenced operations.
“As for now, the Warri Refinery Operations are already up and running. However, we have not finished it 100%,” Mele Kyari who is the head of the state oil firm NNPC revealed. This information was revealed during a tour that was made to the facility by government officials, the regulators and journalists.
Warri Refinery Operations were shut in the year 2015. This was as a result of disrepair and shortages of crude oil. The Warr Oil Refinery possesses a capacity of 125, 000 barrels in just a single day. This facility was now running at a capacity of 60%. This plant has been under rehabilitation since the year 2021 at a cost of $898 million. The plant will now focus on the production of straight-run kerosene, diesel, and naphtha. This information was revealed by a statement that was signed by the presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
A total of four state-owned refineries which have a combined capacity of 445,000 bpd have been shut for years. These include the 110,000 bpd Kaduna plant which is located in the north and other three facilities located in the oil-rich Niger Delta inclusive of Warri.
In the previous month, NNPC stated that it had revived the 60,000 bpd Port Harcourt refinery that is located in the Niger Delta. It had set plans of reviving all the four refineries this year.
In privately-owned refineries, the 650,000 bpd Dangote Oil Refinery located in Lagos commenced its operations this year. This refinery was constructed by the Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote.
Also read: Rehabilitation of the 110,000 barrel per day (bpd) Kaduna Refinery in Nigeriafactory
Dec 30, 2024
construction review
Us$5.5 Billion Lg Battery Plant In Phoenix; Work Starts On Stalled ProjectThe massive LG Energy Solution (LGES) battery manufacturing plant in Phoenix, Arizona, had hit pause on construction earlier this year however, it has been reported that work is back on track on the site. Located in the East Valley, the project has a price tag of US$5.5 billion and is set to be completed in 2025.
The first factory has been reported to be around 35% through with construction. In total, the Queen Creek facility is expected to span over 1 million square feet. There will be a total of 3 buildings on the 320-acre site that is owned by LGES. Additionally, various other structures will be put up to support the vast production layout on the LG battery plant in Phoenix.
Also Read MTerra Solar Project in the Philipines to be the world’s largest integrated solar and battery facility.
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Total price: US$5.5 billion
Completion Date: 2025
Scale: 1 million square feet
Project partners: Rivian Automotive
Construction Team: Yates Construction, Ware Malcomb
By 2025, LGES hopes to rapidly commence hiring on the project as part of its initiative to increase opportunities for local employment. The first phase of construction will bring an estimated 2,800 jobs to Queen Creek at a cost of US$3.2 billion.Once completed, the LG battery plant in Phoenix will be Queen Creek’s largest employer.
Further community initiatives include working with the local Gila River Indian Tribe and the Salt River Project to improve accessibility for the upcoming operational surge in demand for water. LGES is working with local authorities to lock down water and wastewater agreements.
Also Read LGES Pauses Construction on part of its $5.5B Battery Facility in Queen Creek
LGES has also signed a major deal with Rivian Automotive to be one of its primary customers for the batteries produced at the factory. They will be used for the Rivian R2 model vehicles. A major partnership like this shows a key link between the broader electric vehicle industry and LG’s Arizona production plant. Further, the construction team includes Yates Construction who is the general contractor, and Ware Malcomb as the project designer. Battery production is expected to bein in 2026.
Also Read World’s Largest BESS Project in Saudi Arabia: 8GWh Battery Storagefactory
Dec 24, 2024
construction review
Worley Awarded Major Epc Contract On World’S Largest Hydrogen Facility In TexasExxonMobil has awarded Australia-based Worley a major EPC Contract on World’s Largest Hydrogen Facility (Engineering, Procurement and Construction). This will foresee the development of the largest a hydrogen and ammonia plant in the United States.
This upcoming mega hydrogen facility will be constructed adjacent to the ExxonMobil’s chemicals and refining complex in Baytown, Texas.
Last week, ExxonMobil revealed that if everything adds up together as intended, a final investment decision could be taken in the year 2025. Additionally, the potential to start operations on the project have been projected at the year 2029.
However, this contract awarded to Worley is subject to a final investment decision. Furthermore, it is also subject to “supportive government policy and also the necessary regulatory permits.”
Also read: Plans in for construction of an underground hydrogen storage plant in Utah
According to ExxonMobil, this planned facility will be unique as it will be the world’s largest of its kind upon operations Commencement. Additionally, it will have the capability of producing up to 1 billion cubic feet of hydrogen daily. This hydrogen will have about 98% of carbon dioxide removed. Moreover, it will be able to produce one million tonnes of ammonia every year.
However, the cost of the contract was not revealed. Chris Ashton who is the chief executive of Worley stated:
“We continue our strategic and global relationship with ExxonMobil in its delivery of upcoming projects. This is especially in delivering this mega project on the US Gulf Coast. This will indeed strengthen significantly the backlog of Worley.”
Also read: Plans underway for construction of AES green hydrogen facility in Texas, USA’s largest of its kind
Green River Energy Center Construction in Utah: One of the Largest Solar-Plus-Storage Projects in the United Statesfactory
Dec 17, 2024
construction review
Progress Made At The Us$5.5 Billion Lg Battery Plant In PhoenixThe massive LG Energy Solution (LGES) battery manufacturing plant in Phoenix, Arizona, had hit pause on construction earlier this year however, it has been reported that work is back on track on the site. Located in the East Valley, the project has a price tag of US$5.5 billion and is set to be completed in 2025.
The first factory has been reported to be around 35% through with construction. In total, the Queen Creek facility is expected to span over 1 million square feet. There will be a total of 3 buildings on the 320-acre site that is owned by LGES. Additionally, various other structures will be put up to support the vast production layout on the LG battery plant in Phoenix.
Also Read MTerra Solar Project in the Philipines to be the world’s largest integrated solar and battery facility.
By 2025, LGES hopes to rapidly commence hiring on the project as part of its initiative to increase opportunities for local employment. The first phase of construction will bring an estimated 2,800 jobs to Queen Creek at a cost of US$3.2 billion.Once completed, the LG battery plant in Phoenix will be Queen Creek’s largest employer.
Further community initiatives include working with the local Gila River Indian Tribe and the Salt River Project to improve accessibility for the upcoming operational surge in demand for water. LGES is working with local authorities to lock down water and wastewater agreements.
Also Read LGES Pauses Construction on part of its $5.5B Battery Facility in Queen Creek
LGES has also signed a major deal with Rivian Automotive to be one of its primary customers for the batteries produced at the factory. They will be used for the Rivian R2 model vehicles. A major partnership like this shows a key link between the broader electric vehicle industry and LG’s Arizona production plant.The construction team includes Yates Construction who is the general contractor, and Ware Malcomb as the project designer. Battery production is expected to bein in 2026.
Also Read World’s Largest BESS Project in Saudi Arabia: 8GWh Battery Storagefactory
Dec 13, 2024
construction review
Pcc Se To Build Facility At Chemours Titanium Dioxide Plant In MississippiUS based Chemours and Germany based PCC SE recently entered into agreement for the supply of chlorine. This will see PCC SE build a Chor-alkali facility at Chemour’s titanium dioxide plant in Mississippi. PCC SE will build and run the new facility in the US gulf coast.
The chemical production and investment company has several manufacturing hubs around the globe. PCC Rokita SA majors in polyols and chlorine, the PCC Exol SA that majors in surfactant production in Europe, and what the company termed as, one of the “world’s most modern and climate friendly” facility that sits in Iceland. This is the PCC BakkiSilicon hf. Added to this cap will be the new facility in the existing titanium dioxide facility in Mississippi.
The global company’s latest move will see it spread its influence in the chemical and logistics sectors around the world. With establishments from the US to Asia, through Europe and Africa, PCC SE’s corporate philosophy will not go unproclaimed.
The new facility will utilize “state-of-the-art technology”, with the main aim of maximizing energy efficiency. PCC SE’s new facility in Mississippi is expected to produce up to 340,000 metric tons of chlorine and its derivatives annually. Also, the post-production insights have it that the facility’s co-product will reach the open market and other “strategic partners”.
The construction of the facility will start in early 2026, and be completed by 2028. An estimate of 1,200 construction jobs will be created by the facility. In addition to this will be the full-time job positions at the facility once operational. The Chemours facility sits on 2,600 acres of land in DeLisle, Mississippi. This resource enables Chemours Titanium Technologies be the world’s largest producer of titanium dioxide.
Chemors is also not tied to an up-front financial commitment to the project. This will help Chemours lower their manufacturing costs, and “better serve their (Chemours) customers as their trusted TiO2 partner of choice”, as put by their CEO.
In a press release announcing the plans, the CEO of PCC SE, Peter Wenzel, was enthusiastic of the project, framing the collaboration between the two global companies as, “PCC Group’s commitment to grow in chemicals by building upon long-term relationships”. His remarks were also not shy of projecting PCC’s corporate philosophy. He stated, “We look forward to a successful collaboration with such a major, globally renowned player as Chemours, setting a benchmark in the industry while evaluating further opportunities in the region.”
President and CEO of Chemours, Denise Dignam, was also exuberant about the partnership with PCC Group. She also stated that the on-site production of chlorine at the DeLisle facility will “increase supply reliability” to Chemours Titanium Technologies.
Chemours is also a chemical company that has specialties spread across a wide array of markets. This includes refrigeration, transportation, semiconductors, industrial, and the energy sector, to name a few. The Delaware-based company has products under popular global brands like, Teflon™, Krytox™, Freon™, and Opteon™. These are run through some 28 facilities, and reach over a hundred countries globally.
PCC SE has seven branches in its operations with four of these being centered in chemical production. These are focused on Chlorine, Silicon, Polyols, and Surfactants, all with their derivatives. The company also has grasp in the logistics sector, and raw materials not shy of carbon and petrol.
Also read: Sunlit Arizona’s $100m chemical manufacturing facility opened in Phoenix
Also read: US National Semiconductor Technology Center finds home in Californiafactory
Dec 11, 2024
construction review
Morocco’S Ecoprogetti Pv Production Unit Expansion Complete Making It The Largest In North AfricaMorocco’s Ecoprogetti PV Production Unit Expansion has been completed. This facility PV production unit is located in the city of Al Hoceima in northern Morocco. The facility is usually operated by Almaden Morocco.
After the completion of the expansion works, the facility now boasts an impressive 1GW from its previous 500MW. This feature makes it unique by making it the largest solar module plant in Morocco and the North Africa region.
This new line has been incorporated with technology that is based on tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) G12 18BB half-cut cells. It is in a system that has been designed to ensure that both maximum efficiency and superior quality are met in the glass-glass modules.
Also read: $1.3 Billion Gotion EV Battery Gigafactory Planned for Morocco
Ecoprogetti mentioned in one statement that Aldem Morocco will be able to produce high-efficiency modules. These modules will meet standards enabling them to be supplied to both the African and global market.
Ecoprogetti kicked off the expansion works of the PV production line in the month of July. Its operations were expected to start in the month of October. Additionally, it is quite important to note that Ecoprogetti has been partnering with Aldem Morocco since the year 2018. This was when the first 500MW unit was delivered.
Also read: Romanian Firm Autoparts Factory in Morocco Inaugurated
In another project that was undertaken by Ecoprogetti, the company made an announcement in November on the completion of the first solar panel production line in Oman. The Sheida Solar Facility is usually operated by the Sheida Industries which is based in Oman. As for the capacity of this facility in Oman, it can produce 450 W, 550 W, and 590 W panels featuring tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) technology.
Furthermore, this particular facility in Oman is mainly focused on the small- to medium-scale PV solar market. Just like the facility in Morocco, this one will also supply not only to its domestic market but also in the African continent.
As mentioned by the spokesperson of this project, “The production line is already supplying panels to a 200 MW domestic project.”
“Moreover, the project plans to expand production with another 500MW turnkey line by second quarter of 2025,” the spokesperson added.
Also, China’s Q-Sun Solar revealed its ambitious plans for constructing a 10GW solar module facility in Oman. It is also quite important to note that works on a polysilicon manufacturing factory in the country is also underway.
Moreover, the company was responsible for supplying a glass-glass solar panel production line to India’s SAEL.
Ecoprogetti kicked its history in the year 1994 as a photovoltaic panels manufacturer with a manual production line. Aiming to reduce manual work, and increasing its overall production capacity, the company started building small automatic machines for its production line.
In the year 1998, the company rose to become an independent reality. It was dedicated to the production of machinery for the PV industry. Initially, Ecoprogetti manufactured machines for the entire photovoltaic industry. The machines range from machines for processing, cleaning and cutting the ingot, then wafer quality control and automation for the production of cells.
Eventually, the company specialized exclusively in the designing and assembling of production machines and quality control of PV modules.
Also read: Morocco’s Gotion EV Gigafactory $800 Million Wind Power Projectfactory
Dec 03, 2024
construction review
Construction Begins On Modern Artillery Ammunition Plant In LithuaniaThe construction of modern plant for production of 155mm artillery ammunition has been launched in Baisogala, Lithuania. The project which is between the government of Lithuania and the German defense company Rheinmetall was launched on the 29th of November 2024 in the presence of the Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Šimonytė, the Minister for the Economy and Innovation Aušrinė Armonaitė and the Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
The project will bring an investment of €180 million directly to Lithuania, as well as the creation of 150 direct jobs and the inclusion of Lithuanian companies into the production supply chain.
The sprawling 340-hectare facility will significantly strengthen Lithuania’s defence industry and economic resilience. Operations will kick off in mid-2026, with the plant gearing up to manufacture tens of thousands of 155mm caliber artillery rounds annually, directly bolstering Lithuania’s security and Europe’s defence readiness.
The Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė emphasized the important part of the cooperation in the following terms: “Since the beginning of our conversations with the Lithuanian Government, both sides have been on the same page as to why this construction of artillery ammunition Plant is crucial.”
The CEO of Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger thanked Lithuania for the trust:
“This is why it remains the ambition of Rheinmetall to be one of the key providers to national and international security. This long-term cooperation with Lithuania only strengthens this position. ”
Read also: Lithuania launches second 700-MW wind tender
“As the security environment continues to deteriorate, it is no longer enough to make statements and wait for things to happen; we must act and ensure the enhancement of the defense capabilities of our nation. Through the large-scale investment projects and the domestic production of weapons, we not only fulfill the requirements of national security but also reduce the dependence on arms imported from the international market. I have no doubt that Lithuania is pursuing the right strategy and it is encouraging to see major international corporations such as Rheinmetall commit their support,” states Aušrinė Armonaitė, the Minister of the Economy and Innovation.
Read also: Planning approval received for Vilnius Stadium in Lithuania
“It is therefore important that such enterprises as the German defense industry company Rheinmetall are establishing their ammunition factory in Lithuania, which will meet the requirements of our armed forces. It was rather complicates, but I am happy and thankful to my colleagues for that, we were able to achieve this great and important achievement for our national security, ” states the Minister of Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
The construction of artillery ammunition Plant in Lithuania came after the signing of an agreement in June 2024, which gave the project ‘state significance’ status, thus enabling the fast tracking of the processes and the provision of favourable conditions for the establishment of the plant. The plant will also incorporate advanced shell manufacturing and load assembly pack integrations hence enhancing Lithuania’s position in the defence industry.
Read also: Europe’s Mega $1 Billion Rail Network: Rail Balticafactory
Nov 29, 2024
construction review
Romanian Firm Autoparts Factory In Morocco InauguratedThe MP Industry Group, which is a Romanian automotive supplier has inaugurated its first factory in Morocco on Friday. This Romanian Firm Autoparts Factory in Morocco marks a very great milestone for the automotive industry of Morocco.
This factory is located at Tanger Automotive City (TAC). It stands out as a testament to the North African country’s growing appeal as a manufacturing hub in the region.
This facility has been constructed on a 35,000 square feet plot. It is expected to manufacture and produce plastic components that will be used in the automotive industry using the advanced injection molding technology.
Also read: $1.3 Billion Gotion EV Battery Gigafactory Planned for Morocco
Morocco signed a deal worth $1.3 billion with the Chinese-European group Gotion High Tech that will foresee the construction of a gigafactory for manufacturing EV batteries. This EV batteries gigafactory will be located in Kentira, in the north-west of Morocco.
Phase one of this project is foreseen to have the capacity of 20 gigawatts per hour. Once completed it is expected to boast 100 gigawatts per hour after a global investment of $6.6 billion.
This gigafactory is scheduled to kick oof its operations in the month of June 2026. In terms of job creation, this gigafactory is expected to create a total of 17,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs.
This factor project is backed by an investment of 437.62 million dirhams. Furthermore, with matters regarding job creation, it is expected to create approximately 150 direct jobs.
The inauguration ceremony of this facility was attended by quite a number of high-ranking officials of Morocco. In attendance was the country’s Industry and Trade Minister Ryad Mezzour and Ahmed Bennis who is the CEO of Tanger Med Zones (TMZ).
“This factory facility developed within the Renault ecosystem, once more is a testimony of how attractive our industrial platform currently is,” the minister commented.
He added by stating that this factory is expected to contribute to the expansion of the country’s local value chains therefore generally strengthening its productive fabric.
“We are very delighted with this collaboration with MP Industry and other investors from Romania,” mentioned Bennis. “Our current ambition is to play a crucial role in strengthening their international competitiveness while at the same time continuing to promote the industrial integration of the automotive sector of Morocco.”
Also read: Morocco’s Gotion EV Gigafactory $800 Million Wind Power Project
The CEO of metaplast and MP Industry Group, was optimistic about the future of the company in Morocco. “With the positive growth of the automotive industry and the great potential in the African market, it is quite evident that MP Industry Group is on the brink of a bright future, especially in Morocco,” he stated.
This new factory facility is equipped with cutting edge technology and also incorporates sustainable practices. It contains photovoltaic panels and even plastic waste recycling lines.
This facility is foreseen to play a pivotal role in boosting the automotive industry of Morocco. This will see the reinforcement of the country’s key position in the globally auto market.
Also read: Sentury Tire set to build its first car tire factory in Moroccofactory
Nov 23, 2024construction review
Sunlit Arizona: $100 Million Chemical Manufacturing Facility Opened In PhoenixSunlit Chemical‘s new manufacturing plant, Sunlit Arizona, just got its inaugural opening in the US. It will produce industrial grade chemicals that will be used in semiconductor manufacturing facilities around the region.
The chemical manufacturing facility is located in North Phoenix. The first phase that has just been completed and launched is part of a $100 million investment by the chemical manufacturing company. Construction work on the first phase commenced in January 2022. The official area covered by the whole project is about 900,000 square feet, and this will sit on 27 acres of land in Mack Industrial Park Deer Valley.
The establishment of the facility is important to Arizona because the state is home to about 200 (give-or-take) semiconductor-related companies. This launch is especially important as the facility will not only be a ready supplier of raw materials, but will also have a ready market for its products.
Some notable tech companies that are set to “benefit” from the facility, and the project at large include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and the American multinational technology corporation, Intel. Construction plans by TSMC to develop its fab site are also underway. The site will sit close by in the vicinity of the Mark Industrial Park Deer Valley.
The chemical manufacturing facility will be useful in the following ways:
• Job creation. According to prospective press releases by the company, the Sunlit Arizona facility will have more than 50 job openings in the first quarter of 2025. Plans are also underway to bring this number up to about 100 in the near-future. This will be possible as the manufacturing process picks-up pace.
• Supplying of semiconductor fabrication materials. As aforementioned, the chemical company produces materials that have their utility in the manufacturing of semiconductors. Its strategic location in Arizona will allow for “easy business” with the chip manufacturers.
Also Read Logistics Park Phoenix: A $3.2 Billion Intermodal and Logistics Hub in Arizona
• It will support other industries. It has been equivocally stated that the semiconductor industry is the main supply target for the company. This ambiguity leaves doors open for supply to other manufacturers that are not necessarily focused on the technology industry but could still use the materials they produce. Some of these include steel and photovoltaic cell manufacturers.
• The facility will also boost the manufacturing sector in Arizona. The governor of Arizona made this known in her statement during the opening of Sunlit’s new manufacturing plant. She stated that “jobs will be created”. Adding that the project will solidify Arizona as “the nation’s semiconductor powerhouse”. The governor, Katie Hobbs, also made it clear that the project will “create a thriving economy for all Arizonians”.
Sunlit Arizona is now part of the growing number of semiconductor-related facilities across Arizona. It, among others, will help the TSMC $65 billion semiconductor facility in Phoenix and Intel’s $32 billion Ocotillo campus in Chandler boost their production capacities.
The CHIPS and Science act has seen to the growth of the US semiconductor industry. The construction and development of this facility will see to the realization of a number of tenets in the act. The inaugural opening of the first phase of the project comes at a strategic time as the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) also got its headquarter facility approved for in California.
Also read about the National Semiconductor Technology Center in Californiafactory
Nov 14, 2024construction review
Indonesia Hpal Neo Energy ProjectWhat happens to the minerals or ore after being extracted in mines? The simple answer is that they go through a process to separate elements from ores. High Pressure Acid Leach, or HPAL is a procedure that extracts precious metals from mined solids.
At last, Indonesia is finally dipping its toes into this smelter technology to process nickel ore and turn it into mixed hydroxide precipitate. MHP is a precursor material for batteries of electric vehicles.
This HPAL Neo Energy construction project will introduce Indonesia to a High-Pressure Acid Leaching smelter that utilizes absolute renewable energy. The plant’s projected production capacity is 120,000 metric tons of MHP or mixed hydroxide precipitate for the province of Central Sulawesi per year.
High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) Neo Energy Project (Photo credits: https://indonesiaminer.com/)
This is part of the massive 16 strategic projects that include five nickel processing facilities in the province of Sulawesi, worth almost US$40 billion. It also includes the US$11.83 billion offshore gas project by Eni, an Italian energy group, in the Makassar Strait, which is in between the islands of Sulawesi and Borneo.
Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo had been pushing to leverage the country’s nickel production and reserves, which are the largest in the world, to attract investment from other countries. Foreign stakes will definitely boost Indonesia’s position in EV battery production’s supply chain globally.
Fortunately, the current president, Prabowo Subianto, who took over the position in October, has expressed his support for continuing the former’s goal.
On September 14, 2024, PT Anugrah Neo Energy Materials (ANEM) facilitated the groundbreaking ceremony of the Indonesia HPAL Project. No less than the Central Sulawesi Governor Rudy Mastura attended the event.
Groundbreaking of HPAL Neo Energy Project (Photo credits: https://neoenergy.co.id/)
The honorable official shared that the presence of the industrial area in Morowali is a giant leap forward for the region in terms of sustainable industrial development. He further added that such all-important momentum has a major impact on the region’s economy and industry as a nation.
Other notable guests in the ceremony include the following:
Minister Hatarto shared that the government will pour its support into the project by expediting any required permits, including those needed to secure financing and providing help with land clearing. He further added that the HPAL Smelter nickel processing could be a huge help to the government’s priority programs in the same energy and downstream industry, as well as food security.
Despite HPAL being a proven technology, Indonesia used to be on the fence about trying it before. This is because it requires a massive investment and an equally large media for debris disposal. In addition, most HPAL facilities in the world use coal, and the technology releases up to three times the amount of greenhouse gases compared to those emitted by other nickel production that utilizes high-grade sulfide deposits.
With the sure-shot progress that will unfold due to the highly anticipated HPAL facility, the governor is aware of everyone’s environmental concerns. He guarantees there is nothing to worry about. Every venture put out in the facility will be for the betterment and welfare of the area and the people in terms of sustainable energy, environment protection, and economic growth.
Owner/Investor: Anugrah Neo Energy Materials (Indonesia)
Strategic Partner: Gotion Indonesia Materials (China)
Facility Contractor: Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. (China)
Project Name: High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) Neo Energy Project
Project Type: High-Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) plant
Location: Neo Energy Morowali Industrial Estate (NEMIE)
Value: IDR 636.9 Trillion or US$39.58 Billion (Overall total)
Construction Start: Q3 2024
Construction End: Q3 2026factory
Nov 11, 2024