Propylene and ethylene, used as raw materials in the production of synthetic textiles, would be among the petrochemicals that would be produced at the proposed petrochemical complex in Kochi, a major port city on the west coast of India.

 

A Rs. 80 billion petrochemical complex-cum-park is proposed to be set up by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) on about 500 acres of land, adjacent to the Integrated Refinery Expansion Project (IREP) of BPCL Kochi Refinery, in Kochi.

 

Speaking at a ‘Business Meet on Petrochemical Sector’, organized by the KSIDC in Kochi, BPCL deputy general manager Murali Madhavan said the IREP and the new petrochemical complex are together likely to bring investment of Rs. 220 billion, making it the single largest investment in the state.

 

He informed that BPCL is considering sourcing technology from process licensors and joint ventures to bring in international expertise and state-of-the-art technology. He said BPCL is expecting Rs. 62 billion investment in niche derivates consuming 250-300 kilo tons per annum of propylene.

 

Giving a presentation on ‘petrochemical project of BPCL’, deputy general manager George Paul said, the new complex would have capacity to produce 500,000 tons of propylene and 75,000 tons of ethylene.

 

Making a presentation on ‘opportunities in the petrochemical downstream sector and establishment of petrochemical park by KSIDC, TP Thomas Kutty, executive director of KSIDC, said seven companies have already expressed interest in starting units in the proposed petrochemical park, which would have common effluent treatment plant, green belt and facilities for feedstock transfer through pipeline.

 

Kochi is emerging as a petrochemical hub of the country due to the presence of BPCL Kochi refinery, excellent port infrastructure, bulk cargo terminal, and airport connectivity, Mr. Kutty said.

 

Established in 1961, KSIDC is a wholly owned company of Government of Kerala, for the promotion and development of medium and large scale units in the state. So far, KSIDC has promoted more than 650 projects in the state with an investment outlay of Rs. 51.55 billion providing employment to approximately 72,500 people.