LyondellBasell has advanced plans to build what would be the world’s largest propylene oxide (PO) and tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) plant in Channelview, Texas. The company said in a news release today it will soon begin front-end engineering and design on the plant, with a final investment decision to follow. LyondellBasell will also build an ethers unit at its Bayport Choate site near Pasadena, Texas.
The new plant is part of a $3-4 billion expansion project on the Gulf Coast that includes recently completed ethylene expansions in Channelview and La Porte, Texas, and an ongoing ethylene expansion in Corpus Christi, Texas. The PO/TBA plant is expected to create up to 2,500 construction jobs and about 100 permanent positions. Company CEO Bob Patel said it could ultimately be the company's largest-ever investment.