by ANIS HAZIM / pic source: Honeywell FB

HONEYWELL UOP has completed its engineering assessment as scheduled for Pengerang Energy Complex (PEC) in Johor. 

It is slated to be fully operational in 2026 and will produce 2.3 million tonnes of aromatics per annum. 

Honeywell said the greenfield integrated condensate splitter aromatic complex will produce heavy naphtha, a primary feedstock for the aromatics plant.

Honeywell was awarded the technology licencing contract in December 2021 by master developer of the PEC, ChemOne Group. 

Honeywell Asia VP and GM Matt Spalding said ChemOne’s project plan for PEC in Malaysia is visionary and Honeywell is proud to play a role in the expansion and enhancement of the petrochemical industry in the country.

ChemOne will incorporate Honeywell’s latest generation LD Parex technology to produce one of the most important petrochemical products, para-Xylene, a key ingredient in the production of PTA (purified terephthalic acid) to make polyester for fabric and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) chips for carbonated soft drink and water bottles. 

PEC CEO Alwyn Bowden said PEC aims to build a world-class facility that can lead to economic growth and contribute toward environmental protection, as well as social progress for the current generation, while not compromising the potential for future generations to have an ecosystem that meets their needs. 

“The company aims to create a sustainable and energy-efficient, state-of-the-art aromatics complex in South-East Asia to serve the wider Asian market,” he said in a statement today. 

Meanwhile, he highlighted that PEC is poised to deliver profitable growth while creating local employment and moving Malaysia further up the value chain in the petrochemical sector.

“Honeywell market-leading advanced aromatics processing technologies will result in reduced energy consumption; maximised aromatics production; lowered capital and energy costs; and wider feedstock flexibility, allowing the PEC plant to become one of the most advanced, energy and carbon-efficient facilities in its class,” he added.