- BASF commissioned a one-million-tonne-per-year steam cracker at its Zhanjiang Verbund site. Moreover, it is the first globally to run main compressors entirely on renewable energy.
- Additionally, the new facility enhances BASF’s integrated production network in China and supports sustainable, low-carbon chemical manufacturing.
BASF has successfully commissioned a steam cracker at its newly built Verbund site in Zhanjiang, southern China. Consequently, the company completed the start-up on schedule. This achievement marks a significant milestone for BASF. Importantly, the facility is the first steam cracker worldwide to operate its main compressors using 100% renewable energy. BASF achieved this by installing electrically driven compressors, known as eDrives. These, in turn, replace traditional compressors powered by fossil fuels.
The steam cracker sits at the heart of BASF’s Verbund concept. Specifically, it supplies essential base chemicals to several downstream plants on the same site. These chemicals include ethylene and propylene. During operation, steam breaks long-chain hydrocarbons into smaller molecules. For instance, the feedstocks include naphtha and butane. As a result, this process creates the starting point for many chemical value chains. Consequently, these value chains support a wide range of industrial applications. The Zhanjiang steam cracker can produce one million metric tonnes of ethylene each year. Thus, this capacity highlights the scale of the investment.
Dr Stephan Kothrade, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE and Chief Technology Officer, underlined the project’s strategic importance. He said the commissioning strengthens BASF’s diversified value chains in China. Furthermore, he noted that the site improves BASF’s ability to support customers. These customers operate across multiple industries, including consumer goods and heavy manufacturing.
Meanwhile, BASF started operations at several downstream plants. The company followed strict safety procedures throughout the process. After starting propylene-based units earlier, BASF has now brought additional plants online. These facilities produce ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and polyethene. As a result, this step further integrates the site’s production network. Moreover, it improves efficiency and resource use under the Verbund approach.
BASF expects the Zhanjiang site to become its third-largest Verbund location worldwide. It will rank after Ludwigshafen, Germany, and Antwerp, Belgium. BASF has also designed the site as a model for sustainable chemical production. This, in turn, applies to China and global operations. To support this goal, BASF will power the entire site with renewable electricity.
According to the company, the Zhanjiang site will mainly serve customers in China. Notably, China is the world’s largest and fastest-growing chemical market. Through this long-term investment, BASF aims to strengthen its regional presence. At the same time, it continues to advance low-carbon manufacturing practices.