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LONDON (ICIS)–A joint-venture (JV) between Total and Sonatrach is expected to begin construction of its Algerian polypropylene (PP) plant in July 2023, and Abbes Laghrour, director general of Sonatrach Total Entreprise Polymeres (STEP), is extremely upbeat about its potential.
“We can satisfy all demand in Algeria and we are able to supply customers in North Africa,” Laghrour said.
There is very little domestic PP production in North Africa compared to demand, and the region mostly relies on exports from Europe and the Middle East.
The STEP PP plant will have a nameplate capacity of 550,000 tonnes/year of homopolymer.
Well-documented and commonplace shipping problems connected with Algeria are not expected to impact the plant as upstream material will be provided by the Erg Issouane gas field.
The JV will initially concentrate on Algeria and its neighbouring countries, such as Morocco and Tunisia. A 50% share will also be reserved for export, with Europe the main focus.
The hope is that other areas of Africa will eventually be targeted, with South Africa in particular, and Asia mentioned as potential future destinations.
ICIS.com
“We can satisfy all demand in Algeria and we are able to supply customers in North Africa,” Laghrour said.
There is very little domestic PP production in North Africa compared to demand, and the region mostly relies on exports from Europe and the Middle East.
The STEP PP plant will have a nameplate capacity of 550,000 tonnes/year of homopolymer.
Well-documented and commonplace shipping problems connected with Algeria are not expected to impact the plant as upstream material will be provided by the Erg Issouane gas field.
The JV will initially concentrate on Algeria and its neighbouring countries, such as Morocco and Tunisia. A 50% share will also be reserved for export, with Europe the main focus.
The hope is that other areas of Africa will eventually be targeted, with South Africa in particular, and Asia mentioned as potential future destinations.
ICIS.com