Ramboll Environ evaluates the environmental impact of the Utsk-Kutsk polymer plant
![Консалтинговая компания Ramboll Environ оценит воздействие проектируемого Усть-Кутского завода полимеров на природную и социальную среду](/upload/iblock/c2d/c2db163b96f54d033234e7680fcfb3ee.jpg)
Led by world renowned environmental-consultant firm Ramboll Environ, the environmental review studied the site for the polymer plant, a key element to INK’s ambitious gas project. INK affirmed the necessity for the infrastructure, before its launch, to meet the highest environmental standards. The presence of INK geological specialists, local municipal administrators, government officials, as well as local NGOs and citizens, showcased the importance of the event. A detailed schedule of EIA is being developed for the matter. .
The polymer plant, which will produce up to 600,000 tons of high and low density polyethylene (high margin products) per year, culminates the final stage of an interregional venture which started in 2010. Boasting four gas-processing facilities and a new pipeline, the newly-built base sits a mere 1.5 km from the Tolstoy Cape area.
Sourced from the company’s field, the raw material for the polymer plant, ethane, will be converted to ethylene in pyrolysis furnaces with a very high degree of processing. Furthermore, 100% ethylene will be converted to polyethylene. The energy, supplying the furnaces and turbines, will come from the clean dry gas of the Yaraktinsky oil and gas condensate field. Supplementary water treatment plants will ensure the highest degree of purification, exceeding international standards.
The polymer plant will utilize the most advanced technologies available on the market. INK’s proprietary technical concept of the plant won’t differ from the established engineering norms found in the Western world. The top engineering companies, including as Linde (Germany), Technip (France), CB&I (USA), are working on the concept.
The polymer plant platform will host an independent power plant with an installed capacity of up to 100 MW. The excess energy production will provide for, and stabilize, Ust-Kut's energy supply. According to the plan, the four-year construction of the power plant will begin in 2018.
No assembly, yet, began on the sites. Before construction starts, INK will assure that all involved parties, from the government to the citizenry will retain public access to all information concerning the project.
The new economic engine, created by INK in the north of the Irkutsk region, provides jobs, supplies the local municipality with tax-cash flow, and, in general, assists the socioeconomic development of the city and district. For example, over 700 people, per polymer plant, will secure work in the initial construction phase. In addition, INK plans to establish, in Ust-Kut, a training program to source local talent into highly-qualified specialists. With incoming prosperity, resolutions for decade-old infrastructure and social problems will swiftly come.
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