Borealis has recently unveiled a significant EUR 4.5 million investment initiative aimed at upgrading the cracker furnaces within its Porvoo steam cracker facility. This substantial investment is poised to enhance the production capabilities of the Porvoo steam cracker, which forms an integral part of a highly integrated petrochemical complex. The primary objective of this investment is to augment the proportion of renewable and recycled raw materials utilised in the production of ethylene and propylene, thereby aligning with Borealis Strategy 2030 and fostering the transition towards a circular economy.

The investment programme for the Porvoo facility has already been set in motion and is anticipated to reach completion by the year 2025. The Porvoo steam cracker, boasting a nameplate capacity of 430 kilotons of ethylene and 263 kilotons of propylene annually, functions as a crucial facility responsible for thermally “cracking” various feedstocks such as naphtha, propane, butane, and liquefied petroleum gas into smaller molecules.

At the heart of this upgrade initiative lies the modification of three out of the ten cracker furnaces within the olefins unit. These modifications are geared towards facilitating the annual production of 120 kilotons of base chemicals derived from renewable and recycled feedstocks. Notably, the base chemicals produced at Borealis’ Porvoo site have received the prestigious ISCC PLUS certification, underscoring adherence to the highest environmental standards. The ISCC PLUS certification is a voluntary scheme that encompasses the entire supply chain, employing mass balance accounting to ensure compliance with stringent environmental criteria.

Wolfram Krenn, Borealis executive vice president operations and base chemicals, expressed enthusiasm regarding the investment, stating, “With a focus on reinventing essentials for sustainable living, our EUR 4.5 million investment in our steam cracker in Porvoo moves us closer towards a future of circular economy transformation. Through strategic furnace modifications and a commitment to renewable and chemically recycled base chemicals, we are poised to elevate annual production to 120 kilotons, forging a path of environmental stewardship and economic resilience.”

For more information visit www.borealisgroup.com