Blue Circle Olefins has designated Rotterdam as the development site for a commercial Methanol-to-Olefins production facility.
The electrified plant, with 200-kilotonne capacity, will convert renewable methanol into fully circular ethylene and propylene fundamental chemical building blocks representing approximately 60% of European chemical industry manufacturing inputs.
Upon commencing operations in 2030, the facility will achieve life-cycle greenhouse gas emission reductions exceeding 80% compared to conventional fossil-based production processes for plastics including polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride.
Nico van Dooren, Director of New Business at the Port of Rotterdam Authority, stated that fully circular chemical feedstock production aligns strategically with the objectives to establish a climate-neutral, circular port that advances resilience, supply security, and strategic autonomy.
Blue Circle Olefins operates as a scale-up enterprise focused on establishing a future-resilient European chemical industry through circular olefin production and commercialization as direct substitutes for fossil-based equivalents.
Utilizing green methanol derived from mixed plastic waste, agricultural residues, and forestry byproducts offers the Netherlands and Europe a commercially viable pathway for fossil-free plastics and chemicals production.
The facility will additionally enhance industrial strategic autonomy and reduce European dependence on oil and gas imports.
