August 29, 2016
Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) revealed plans to expand the capacity of its ENOC Processing Company (EPCL) Jebel Ali facility by 50 per cent. The expansion project comprises three separate packages at an estimated value in excess of US$1billion. The expected date for commercial production is Q4 of 2019.
The main package of the project will add a new Condensate processing train to the existing facility, expanding its daily capacity to 210,000 barrels, up from its existing current 140,000 barrels per day. Additional processing units will also be added, including a new LPG/Naphta hydrotreater, an isomerisation unit, Kerosiene hydrotreater, and a diesel hydrotreator. These units will ensure that the refinery's fuel products, which include gasoline, jet fuel and diesel, are capable of meeting expanding domestic fuel demand, as well as for export purposes.
Commenting on the project, His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, ENOC's Vice Chairman, said: "As the UAE continues its journey as a regional powerhouse, meeting the growing energy demand tops the government's agenda. We continue to move forward to realise our wise leadership's vision in the establishment of a robust infrastructure to support the growth of the UAE economy which is based on the diversification of energy resources by increasing fuel production through the expansion of EPCL's refinery. This ambitious expansion project is one of the key building blocks in the energy infrastructure sector to meet future demands and supports our sustainable growth in line with Dubai Plan 2021".
His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO of ENOC, said: "The UAE's energy demand is growing at about 9 per cent a year. Since our establishment, we have grown into a responsible, profitable and sustainable organisation that has continuously met these needs. An emerging aviation sector and the evolving logistics needs of numerous businesses invoke a strategy that demands foresight. The refinery expansion is part of this strategy to develop enabling infrastructure that fuels the nation's growth."
"For a rapidly developing market like Dubai, strategic investments in such projects demonstrate that development strategies like Dubai Plan 2021 are already being realised," continued Al Falasi. "
In response to the UAE's drive towards clean energy, the expanded EPCL facility will manufacture products for the local market meeting stringent Euro 5 standards.
Technip Italy, based in Rome, will be the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor for the design and construction of the processing unit. The Front End Engineering Design was carried out by KBR. The licensor technology has been provided by UOP, Axens, and KT.
Marco Villa, President of Technip's Region EMIA, covering Europe, Middle East, India, Africa and Latin America, commented: "We are proud to reinforce the long lasting relationship between Technip and ENOC for the expansion of the Jebel Ali Refinery, which was successfully delivered by Technip in 1999 with outstanding safety, schedule and quality performances. This award confirms Technip's leading position in the refining sector and in the Middle-East downstream business, as well as its ability to provide its clients with customised solutions combined with secure project delivery. We are firmly committed to repeat, and even more improve, our strong performance of the original Jebel Ali Refinery Project."
The subsequent two packages of the project will include the construction of storage tanks and a 31,000 square foot warehouse. Suitable contractors are currently being short listed prior to the tendering process for both packages.
Over the years, EPCL has been continuously expanding and improving its production to cater for the ever growing needs of the local and international markets. It was first commissioned in 1999, starting with two condensate distillation units with a name plate capacity of 60,000 bblsd each, four MEROX units, and storage capacity of 1,283 thousand cubic meters.
In 2010, and at a cost of US $850 million investment, EPCL commissioned additional units for the production of Low Sulfur Naphtha, and Reformate; both critical components for the blending of gasoline, and as a feedstock to petro-chemical plants. Subsequent to this in 2012, EPCL completed a debottlenecking project increasing capacity to 140,000 barrels per day.
ENOC is constantly focusing on expanding capacities in order to support domestic energy demand in alignment with Dubai Plan 2021 and in preparation for EXPO 2020. Along with the development of its refinery capabilities, the company will also extend its service station portfolio by 50 per cent by 2020.
The facility also includes an ISO 9001:2015/ ISO 17025:2005 certified laboratory, and is the only accredited organisation in the Middle East that is capable of carrying out critical tests for gasoline and jet fuel products.