Nova Chemicals to build two new PE plants in Canada

In an effort to capitalize on emerging feedstock opportunities and growing North American demand, Nova Chemicals Corp. will build two new polyethylene (PE) production facilities in Canada – one in Alberta and the other in Ontario.

According to a Nova press release, the new PE polyethylene assets will consist of a world-scale high density and linear low density PE plant that will use Nova’s Advanced Sclairtech technology, and a world-scale linear low density plant that will use the company’s Novapol technology.

Calgary-based Nova has not said where exactly the new plants will be built, or how much they will cost, but expects the completion of all engineering and feasibility studies by mid-2012, and completion of the plants between late 2014 and 2017. The company currently operates ethylene feedstock plants in Corunna, Ont., and in Joffre, Alta.

“In support of [PE] expansions, ethylene supply growth will be derived from the increased utilization of existing Joffre cracker capacity, along with expansion of the Corunna cracker,” Nova said.

In a related move, Nova will also complete studies for a further debottleneck of its low density PE line located at its Mooretown, Ont. facility.