Business
        

Energy

China fires up world's largest coal-based olefin plant

Updated: 2011-05-05 16:52

(Xinhua)

Twitter Facebook Myspace Yahoo! Linkedin Mixx

YINCHUAN -- Shenning Group, a subsidiary of China's biggest coal producer Shenhua Group, said Thursday that the world's largest coal-based olefin plant in northwest China had started operating.

The plant, which it controls, is designed to churn out 500,000 tons of polypropylene and 240,000 tons of other by-products, including 41,200 tons of liquefied fuel, per year, it said in a statement.

Related readings:
China fires up world's largest coal-based olefin plant Nation to pour US$127b into development of oil alternative
China fires up world's largest coal-based olefin plant First project to turn coal into olefin

The facility in a chemical production base in Yinchuan, capital of Ningxia Hui autonomous region, involves a total investment of 17.8 billion yuan ($2.74 billion).

It is the country's first major facility to use coal rather than oil to produce polypropylene.

China overtook the United States to become the world's largest polypropylene market in 2003. Last year, it consumed 10 million tons of olefin, including 3 million tons from imports.

It is hoped China will build similar facilities in the near future as the country is rich in coal but poor in oil.

"By having similar plants near coal bases, we can use coal more cleanly and efficiently," said Chen Zhiqing, a Shenning Group executive in charge of the petrochemical subsidiary.

"This is also a strategic alternative to tackle the energy crisis," Chen said.

Specials

Sino-US Dialogue

China and the US hold the third round of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue from May 9-10 in Washington.

New wave

Coastal city banks on marine sector to ride next stage of economic development

V-Day parade

A military parade marking the 66th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi.

iPad 2 frenzy hits China
US-style sports camp
Keeping modern dance on its toes