Revolution moves closer

Grangemouth’s KG ethylene plant’s second manufacturing unit has been brought back to life eight years after being mothballed and INEOS has successfully completed operational trials as it prepares to receive shale gas ethane from the USA.

“We are now in great shape to receive shale gas from the US and to finally run the Grangemouth plant at full rate,” says Gordon Milne, INEOS Grangemouth Operations Director. “When US shale gas finally arrives here in the autumn, this plant will move into the premier league of European petrochemical plants.

John McNally, CEO INEOS Grangemouth adds: “Bringing the site back into profitability is the best way to secure our future here in Scotland. We know that ethane from US shale gas has transformed US manufacturing and we are now a step closer to seeing this advantage being brought to here to Grangemouth.”

The new import terminal at Grangemouth will also benefit the Fife Ethylene Plant facility in Mossmorran, Scotland after it was announced that the owners of the plant had agreed a long-term sale and purchase agreement to secure ethane from mid 2017. Access to this new source of feedstock will help complement supplies from North Sea natural gas fields. The agreement will also ensure the competitiveness of an additional major manufacturing facility in Scotland and help secure skilled jobs in the long run.