BP has agreed to license its latest-generation PTA technology to China’s Dongying Weilian Chemical.

A subsidiary of Dongying United Petrochemical, Weilian Chemical plans to build a 2.5 million t/y plant at the Dongying Port Economic Development Zone in the eastern province of Shandong.

The technology selection was made following a global bidding process that was initiated in 2019, according to BP. The unit’s design is under way and due for completion by mid-2020. Production is expected to start by the second quarter of 2022.

“We are pleased to be able to provide BP’s most advanced PTA technology, bpPTAg5, to Weilian Chemical, helping our partners to grow their business to meet the demand for high-quality products with a lower carbon footprint. Together, we hope to lay strong foundations for future cooperation,” said Rita Griffin, chief operating officer at BP Petrochemicals.

The deal marks BP’s third PTA licensing project in China, following the startup of the Dushan Energy PTA plant in Pinghu, Zhejiang province, in October 2019.

BP Zhuhai, a jv with Zhuhai Port Company, also uses BP’s latest technology to produce 1.25 million t/y PTA at its Zhuhai 3 plant. According to BP, Zhuhai 3 delivers 95% lower solid waste, 65% lower greenhouse gas emissions and 75% lower water discharge compared with conventional PTA technology.

The latest generation PTA technology has also been licensed to India’s JBF Industries, producing 1.25 million t/y, and Oman International Petrochemical Industries with 1.1 million t/y.