Wedoany.com Report-May 27, The Amur Gas Chemical Complex (AGCC), a joint venture between Russia’s SIBUR (60%) and China’s Sinopec (40%), is on track to produce its first polyethylene in the third quarter of 2026. Located in Russia’s Amur region, the facility is designed to enhance the region’s petrochemical production capacity, leveraging local feedstock supplies.

AGCC CEO Sergei Sergeyev told reporters: “By the end of this year we will achieve mechanical readiness on two units. These are fully built units at which we have already begun testing and trying out equipment without using feedstock. And next year we plan to arrive at production of commercial product, in the third quarter of next year.” He noted that the complex is currently 76% complete, with polypropylene production scheduled to begin in 2027 as originally planned.

The project aims to produce 2.3 million tonnes per year of polyethylene and 400,000 tonnes per year of polypropylene. Construction is aligned with the gradual capacity increase of Gazprom’s Amur Gas Processing Plant, which will supply ethane and liquefied petroleum gas as feedstock. The AGCC’s timeline reflects a two-year delay from the original schedule, with mechanical readiness now set for 2026.

Initially, the project involved European companies, including Linde and Technimont, which contributed to building key components like the pyrolysis unit. However, these companies withdrew in 2022, prompting SIBUR and Sinopec to revise the project strategy. They redesigned the facility, replaced contractors, and updated license holders for the polyethylene and polypropylene production lines to ensure continued progress.

The AGCC represents a significant investment in sustainable petrochemical production, utilizing advanced technology and local resources to meet market demand. The collaboration between SIBUR and Sinopec highlights a commitment to developing high-capacity production facilities, supporting economic growth in the region while addressing global demand for polyethylene and polypropylene products.