China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has successfully completed the second-phase expansion and advanced materials project at its Zhenhai Refinery. This expansion propels the Zhejiang Ningbo Petrochemical Industrial Base to a refining capacity surpassing 50 million tons per year, solidifying its position as the nation's largest, most advanced, and globally competitive petrochemical hub.

Located in the Yangtze River Delta, a key consumer market, the Ningbo Industrial Base plays a crucial role in Sinopec's value chain. The second-phase expansion, a CNY 41.6 billion (approximately $5.70 billion) investment, integrated 18 new production units, including key facilities for atmospheric distillation, catalytic cracking, polypropylene, and propane dehydrogenation. By prioritizing chemical-focused processes, the project establishes diverse high-value-added supply chains.

The expanded capacity will support the production of high-end polyolefins, advanced materials, and specialty chemicals, catering to the growing demands of sectors like automotive, home appliances, and textiles. An estimated 8 million tons of petrochemical products are expected to be produced annually, generating substantial economic value across the region.

Zhenhai Refinery, Sinopec's flagship integrated refining and chemical enterprise, boasts an ethylene production capacity of 2.2 million tons per year. It holds the distinction of being the only Chinese enterprise consistently ranked in the top performance group of the Solomon Global Ethylene Performance Evaluation.

This project stands out for its technological advancements and commitment to sustainability. Key achievements include the localization of 10 core technologies, demonstrating China's growing technological prowess in the petrochemical sector, such as the development of the world's highest-load vertical labyrinth compressor.

The extensive deployment of smart technologies enables the simultaneous operation of digital and physical factories, optimizing production processes and enhancing efficiency. Furthermore, the integration of a fully localized industrial operating system and a self-developed industrial internet platform empowers data-driven decision-making and improved management. Finally, comprehensive energy-saving measures have resulted in an 11.7% reduction in overall energy consumption, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.

Safety and quality were paramount throughout the construction phase, with over 90 million consecutive safe man-hours recorded and a 100% quality pass rate for all units.

The successful completion of this project underscores Sinopec's commitment to innovation, technological advancement, and sustainable development in the Chinese petrochemical industry. It positions China as a global leader in this critical sector, driving economic growth and meeting the evolving demands of a modernizing nation.

Sinopec Group, officially known as China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, is a behemoth in the global energy sector. Headquartered in Beijing, it's a state-owned enterprise that plays a pivotal role in China's economy.