Odebrecht plans petrochemical complex in USA

Odebrecht, which owns Braskem (the largest petrochemical company in Latin America), has announced that it will explore the development of a new petrochemical complex in Wood County, West Virginia, USA. The complex, Ascent - Appalachian Shale Cracker Enterprise - would include an ethane cracker, three polyethylene plants, and associated infrastructure for water treatment and energy co-generation. A purchase option on the anticipated project site in Parkersburg has already been secured.
 
Ascent’s feasibility will depend on several important variables, including the contracting of long-term ethane supply, as well as financing, regulatory approvals, and appropriate governmental support.
 
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Braskem would be responsible for petrochemical-related activities as well as the commercialisation of the polyethylene after the investment is completed. “As the United States’ leader in polypropylene production and with a significant footprint already in the region, we are excited about today’s announcement. Should Ascent materialise, we look forward to serving our clients in the polyethylene market,” stated Fernando Musa, CEO of Braskem America.
 
Braskem is the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas. With 36 industrial plants in Brazil, the US and Germany, the company produces over 35 billion pounds of thermoplastic resins and other petrochemicals per year. Braskem is the world’s leading biopolymers producer with its 440 million pound green polyethylene plant that produces polyethylene from sugarcane-based ethanol.