India OK’s Haldia Petchem Complex
The Indian state of Odisha has approved plans by Haldia Petrochemicals to spend around $4 billion on an integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex, which would include production of PX and purified terephthalic acid (PTA).
Haldia plans to build the complex near Subarnarekha Port in the district of Balasore in eastern India. A first phase, which is due to complete within five years of the land being allocated, will include plants to produce 1.6 million t/y of PX and 2.5 million t/y of PTA, both of which are feedstocks to make polyester.
The local government said the required land will be recommended for allotment after being assessed by the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha.
One of India’s largest petrochemical producers, Haldia Petrochemicals counts the government of West Bengal, the Chatterjee Group, the Tata Group and Indian Oil as its major shareholders. Its existing complex at Haldia, near Kolkata, produces 700,000 t/y ethylene and downstream plants that include LLDPE, HDPE and PP.
Separately, the Odisha government also approved a proposal by Indian Oil to build a 300,000 t/y polyester yarn and fiber plant at a textiles park being established in the Bhadrak district. The project is expected to be implemented within four years of the land being allotted. Indian Oil is already present in Odisha with a manufacturing complex at Paradip.
