● The first world-scale plant based on energy-efficient Oxygen Depolarization Cathode (ODC) technology
● New plant strengthens Covestro’s European MDI production network
● €200 million investment creates 50 new jobs in Tarragona
Covestro has successfully started up a new world-scale chlorine production facility in Tarragona, Spain. This is the first world-scale chlorine production plant based on the highly innovative and energy-efficient Oxygen Depolarized Cathode (ODC) technology invented by Covestro and its partners. The new plant ensures an efficient, sustainable and independent supply of chlorine and caustic soda for MDI production in Tarragona. This will strengthen the European production network of MDI – a precursor for the manufacture of rigid polyurethane foams used in refrigeration equipment and building insulation. This 200 million euro investment created 50 new jobs in Tarragona.
Covestro CEO Markus
Dr. Steilemann said: “The successful start-up of the new plant is good news both economically and ecologically for Covestro and for our plant in Tarragona. The plant demonstrates how new technologies can help us advance circularity The vision of an economy that further reduces resource consumption while increasing the stability and efficiency of production networks.”
The new chlorine facility is the first industrial-scale plant in the world to use innovative oxygen depolarized cathode (ODC) technology. The technology was developed by Covestro in cooperation with ThyssenKrupp. Compared to the traditional chlor-alkali electrolysis method that currently dominates, the new process requires a lower voltage, resulting in energy savings of up to 25%. At the new plant in Tarragona, this could avoid up to 22,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year compared to existing processes – based on the energy mix at the start of construction planning in 2018. The new plant will therefore make an important contribution to Covestro’s goal of becoming climate neutral by 2035.
Chlorine gas is used on-site as a feedstock for the production of MDI, a precursor for the manufacture of rigid polyurethane foams used in the production of energy-efficient insulation solutions for construction and refrigeration equipment. The global MDI market produced around 7.5 million tons in 2019 and is expected to grow further in the long-term. In addition to chlorine, the plant will also produce caustic soda for the Iberian and European markets. Chlorine and caustic soda are both essential chemicals indispensable to the chemical industry and key raw materials for many other strategic sectors.
Andrea, General Manager of Covestro Spain
Firenze added: “The arrival of this plant allows us to significantly strengthen Covestro’s MDI production in Tarragona. Being able to have our own independent chlorine supply gives us the ability to further increase the efficiency and competitiveness of our MDI plant. Furthermore, the new plant strengthens Tarragona’s position as a benchmark for chemistry in Southern Europe, contributes to the economic and social development of the region and creates new jobs directly and indirectly. I would therefore like to sincerely thank all those who contributed to this project Colleagues who have contributed to our success.”
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