ExxonMobil (Irving, Texas / USA; www.exxonmobil.com) plans to build a 1.2m t/y flexible feed steam cracker and downstream PE and PP plants in Guangdong / China. Start-up of the “multibillion dollar” project is planned for 2023, although a final investment decision has not yet been made, the company said.

ExxonMobil has signed a cooperation framework agreement with the Guangdong provincial government to advance discussions concerning the proposed project, which would be located in the Huizhou Dayawan Petrochemical Industrial Park. The framework agreement also confirms Guangdong province’s support to progress an LNG receiving terminal in Huizhou, in which ExxonMobil intends to participate, including supply of LNG. The company said its decision to proceed with the cracker and downstream PE and PP project will depend on factors including receipt of permits and project competitiveness. The new complex would support progress toward China’s national petrochemical development priorities, which include self-sufficiency, diversified feedstock sources, rebalancing fuels versus chemicals and advancing new competitive technology, it added.

ExxonMobil is also evaluating other chemicals manufacturing projects in Asia to help meet expected demand growth in the region. The company expects to grow chemicals manufacturing capacity in Asia Pacific and North America by about 40%, partly by adding 13 new facilities, including two steam crackers in the US – see Plasteurope.com of 13.03.2018.