A large petrochemical cracking unit is set to be installed in Kazakhstan’s Atyrau province, as part of a major project being developed by a consortium led by KazMunayGas. Located in the western part of the country along the Caspian Sea coast, the complex will utilize natural gas from Kazakhstan’s vast gas fields to produce essential petrochemical products. The cracking unit, considered the heart of any petrochemical complex, will play a pivotal role in producing approximately 1,300 kilotonnes per annum (kta) of ethylene.
The project, awarded to a joint venture between Sinopec and Técnicas Reunidas, will be executed under a contract that includes a competitive Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase, followed by Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC). The entire scope of work is expected to be completed within 48 months, marking a significant milestone in Kazakhstan’s industrial development.
This facility will contribute to Kazakhstan’s goal of diversifying its economy by strengthening its petrochemical sector, with the produced ethylene serving as a building block for a wide range of downstream products, including plastics and synthetic materials. By leveraging the country’s natural gas reserves, the project not only enhances local value creation but also positions Kazakhstan as a key player in the global petrochemical industry.