Golden Triangle polymers plant : QatarEnergy, CPChem start construction on $8.5bn petrochemical project in Orange County

QatarEnergy along with Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) has begun the construction of the $8.5 billion Golden Triangle polymers plant located in Orange County, Texas.

Situated around 180km to the east of Houston, the Golden Triangle petrochemical complex will include an ethylene cracker unit that will produce 2.08 million tons per annum (mtpa).

It will also accommodate a couple of high-density polyethylene production units, which will have a combined yield of 2mtpa.

The Golden Triangle polymers plant is expected to be commissioned in 2026. It will be managed by Golden Triangle Polymers, a joint venture of QatarEnergy (49 percent) and CPChem (51 percent).

The Golden Triangle polymers plant represents the second-highest investment of QatarEnergy across the US. It follows the $11 billion-plus investment in the Golden Pass LNG production and export project, that is currently under construction at Sabine Pass, Texas.

QatarEnergy, CPChem start construction on $8.5bn Golden Triangle polymers plant in Orange County, Texas. Photo courtesy of QatarEnergy.

Commenting on behalf of Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar Minister of State for Energy Affairs as well as CEO and President of QatarEnergy, Ahmad Saeed Al-Amoodi, QatarEnergy Executive Vice President of Surface Development & Sustainability said: “For over two decades, we have worked hand in hand with Chevron Phillips Chemical to satisfy the growing demand for innovative petrochemical products, which not only constitute a significant portion of our daily lives, but also play a role in shaping how we live.

“In this partnership, we are also working together to enable balanced growth and to facilitate human development in a responsible and sustainable manner.”

Golden Pass LNG is located some 56km away from the Golden Triangle petrochemical project.

A final investment decision for the Golden Triangle polymers plant was taken by QatarEnergy and CPChem last November. The new petrochemical project in Orange County, which is also located near CPChem’s current plant, is expected to generate around 4,500 construction roles and more than 500 full-time jobs.