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Released May 13, 2024 | NEW DELHI
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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The chlor-alkali sector plays a vital role in the Chemical Processing Industry. Developers use electrolysis to produce chlorine, hydrogen and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) from sodium chloride (salt). The Asia Pacific region is expected to have a major influence on the chlor-alkali market, with its rising urban population and industrial growth necessitating sophisticated water treatment solutions.
Industrial Info is currently more than 250 active capital-spending projects, totaling more than US$20 billion in value, across Asia that are geared toward chlor-alkali projects. While 41% of this investment is being driven by grassroot developments, 51% is aimed at unit addition projects. Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Chemical Processing Project and Plant databases can click here for a list of detailed plant profiles and click here for a list of related project reports.
Chlorine is used extensively in water purification, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) production for construction materials, and manufacturing of solvents, plastics and agrochemicals, while sodium hydroxide serves as a key ingredient in the production of paper, textiles, detergents, soaps and various chemical processes. Hydrogen, a byproduct of the chlor-alkali process, finds applications in petroleum refining, chemical synthesis, and emerging technologies like fuel cells for clean energy production.
With applications in popular sectors like lithium-ion batteries and wastewater treatment, the trajectory for chlor-alkali is expected to see significant growth. According to Chemanalyst, chlor-alkali demand, which stood at 90 million tons in 2020, is projected to reach 137.4 million tons by 2030, growing at a rate of 4.35%.
China contributes significantly to the chlor-alkali market with a spending pipeline equivalent to about US$11 billion, given the high demand for chlor-alkali chemicals across various industries. OEC World states that China exported US$303 billion in textiles in 2022, making it the largest exporter of textiles globally. The Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) by China further facilitates easier access to raw materials essential for chlor-alkali production, such as salt and electricity.
China also is actively seeking to become self-sufficient in chemicals and to lead the global Chemical Processing Industry. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also are driving significant spending--US$2 billion and US$1 billion, respectively. Some other countries with potential investments are Uzbekistan, Vietnam and India.
As the leading investor, Solvay S.A. (Brussels, Belgium) boasts several major chlor-alkali unit-addition and grassroot projects, most prominently in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and Rayong, Thailand. The project with the biggest price tag is in Tabuk and aims to produce 500,000 metric tons per year of carbon neutral soda ash. Subscribers can learn more from a detailed project report and plant profile.
Although the chlor-alkali process is popular and widely used, the industry faces its own challenges, as it involves high energy consumption and leads to significant greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide (CO2). Nevertheless, innovative enhancements to the existing chlor-alkali method like advanced electrolysis techniques, integration of renewable energy and byproduct utilization, could mean that the industry excels beyond its shortcomings.
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) platform helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking more than 200,000 current and future projects worth $17.8 trillion (USD).
Industrial Info is currently more than 250 active capital-spending projects, totaling more than US$20 billion in value, across Asia that are geared toward chlor-alkali projects. While 41% of this investment is being driven by grassroot developments, 51% is aimed at unit addition projects. Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Chemical Processing Project and Plant databases can click here for a list of detailed plant profiles and click here for a list of related project reports.
Chlorine is used extensively in water purification, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) production for construction materials, and manufacturing of solvents, plastics and agrochemicals, while sodium hydroxide serves as a key ingredient in the production of paper, textiles, detergents, soaps and various chemical processes. Hydrogen, a byproduct of the chlor-alkali process, finds applications in petroleum refining, chemical synthesis, and emerging technologies like fuel cells for clean energy production.
With applications in popular sectors like lithium-ion batteries and wastewater treatment, the trajectory for chlor-alkali is expected to see significant growth. According to Chemanalyst, chlor-alkali demand, which stood at 90 million tons in 2020, is projected to reach 137.4 million tons by 2030, growing at a rate of 4.35%.
China contributes significantly to the chlor-alkali market with a spending pipeline equivalent to about US$11 billion, given the high demand for chlor-alkali chemicals across various industries. OEC World states that China exported US$303 billion in textiles in 2022, making it the largest exporter of textiles globally. The Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) by China further facilitates easier access to raw materials essential for chlor-alkali production, such as salt and electricity.
China also is actively seeking to become self-sufficient in chemicals and to lead the global Chemical Processing Industry. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also are driving significant spending--US$2 billion and US$1 billion, respectively. Some other countries with potential investments are Uzbekistan, Vietnam and India.
As the leading investor, Solvay S.A. (Brussels, Belgium) boasts several major chlor-alkali unit-addition and grassroot projects, most prominently in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and Rayong, Thailand. The project with the biggest price tag is in Tabuk and aims to produce 500,000 metric tons per year of carbon neutral soda ash. Subscribers can learn more from a detailed project report and plant profile.
Although the chlor-alkali process is popular and widely used, the industry faces its own challenges, as it involves high energy consumption and leads to significant greenhouse gas emissions like carbon dioxide (CO2). Nevertheless, innovative enhancements to the existing chlor-alkali method like advanced electrolysis techniques, integration of renewable energy and byproduct utilization, could mean that the industry excels beyond its shortcomings.
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) platform helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking more than 200,000 current and future projects worth $17.8 trillion (USD).
