PetroChina Successfully Launches Major Ethylene Project in Xinjiang, Expands Annual Production Capacity
China’s state-owned energy giant PetroChina has successfully completed the first start-up of its new 1.2 million metric tons per year ethylene project at the Dushanzi Petrochemical complex in Xinjiang, marking a significant milestone for the country’s petrochemical industry.
The company announced on Thursday that the large-scale facility began operations successfully on its first commissioning attempt, demonstrating the project’s operational readiness and engineering efficiency.
New Facility Boosts Ethylene Production to 3 Million Tons Annually
With the new unit now operational, PetroChina’s Dushanzi Petrochemical complex will increase its total ethylene production capacity to 3 million metric tons per year.
The expansion is expected to strengthen China’s domestic petrochemical manufacturing capabilities while reshaping the country’s ethylene production landscape. It also represents a major boost for industrial development in western China, where the Xinjiang-based complex is located.
According to the company, the project will improve the competitiveness of its petrochemical products against those produced by leading global manufacturers.
PetroChina Ethylene Capacity Expansion
| Project Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | PetroChina |
| Facility | Dushanzi Petrochemical |
| Location | Xinjiang, China |
| New Ethylene Capacity | 1.2 million metric tons per year |
| Total Production Capacity | 3 million metric tons per year |
| Status | Successfully started operations |
Green and Low-Carbon Technology Takes Center Stage
PetroChina described the development as China’s first full-chain demonstration project in the petrochemical industry designed around green and low-carbon development principles.
The company said the project integrates environmentally focused technologies throughout its production chain, supporting China’s broader efforts to reduce emissions while expanding industrial capacity.
A key feature of the project is its reliance on renewable energy. PetroChina stated that the facility will consume approximately 1 billion kilowatt-hours of clean photovoltaic electricity every year, supplied by the Tarim Oilfield.
This renewable energy integration is expected to reduce the project’s carbon footprint while supporting cleaner petrochemical production.
Renewable Energy Powers Large-Scale Operations
The use of solar-generated electricity from the Tarim Oilfield highlights PetroChina’s growing focus on combining traditional energy production with renewable power sources.
By incorporating large-scale photovoltaic energy into its operations, the company aims to improve energy efficiency and support the long-term transition toward lower-carbon industrial processes without compromising production capacity.
What the Project Means for China’s Petrochemical Industry
The successful launch of the Dushanzi ethylene project represents another major investment in China’s petrochemical sector.
Beyond increasing domestic ethylene output, the expansion is expected to:
- Increase petrochemical production capacity in western China.
- Improve China‘s overall ethylene supply structure.
- Strengthen PetroChina’s competitiveness in global petrochemical markets.
- Support cleaner manufacturing through renewable energy integration.
- Advance the country’s low-carbon industrial development strategy.
As the facility ramps up production, PetroChina is positioning the Dushanzi complex as one of China’s largest ethylene production hubs while aligning future growth with cleaner energy initiatives.
