Aramco, TotalEnergies to build $11 bln petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia

Aramco storage tanks

Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (Saudi Aramco) and TotalEnergies have taken the final investment decision for the construction of a petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia.

The complex will be integrated with SATORP refining facility in Jubail, Saudi Aramco said in a statement.

Saudi Aramco said the investment decision is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals.

The project involves an investment of around $11 billion, of which $4 billion will be funded through equity by Aramco (62.5%) and TotalEnergies (37.5%). Its construction is scheduled to begin during the first quarter of 2023 with commercial operation targeted to start in 2027.

The petrochemical facility will enable SATORP to convert internally produced refinery off-gases and naphtha, as well as ethane and natural gasoline supplied by Aramco, into higher value chemicals, helping to advance Aramco’s liquids to chemicals strategy.

The complex will comprise of a mixed feed cracker capable of producing 1.65 million tons per annum of ethylene, the first in the region to be integrated with a refinery. It will also include two state-of-the-art polyethylene units using Advanced Dual Loop technology, a butadiene extraction unit, and other associated derivatives units.

“Our long-standing relationship with TotalEnergies has been further strengthened by this important project, which represents an opportunity for us to showcase the potential for cutting edge liquids to chemicals technologies that support the circular economy. With this collaboration we aim to expand the value chain by producing advanced chemicals more efficiently than ever before, accelerating industrial progress in the Kingdom,” Aramco President & CEO Amin Nasser said.

The complex will provide feedstock to other petrochemical and specialty chemical plants, located in the Jubail industrial area, which will be built, owned and operated by globally renowned downstream investors, entailing an estimated additional $4 billion of investments. This will support the establishment of key manufacturing industries such as carbon fibers, lubes, drilling fluids, detergents, food additives, automotive parts and tires.

The overall complex, including adjacent facilities, is expected to create 7,000 local direct and indirect jobs.