Plant Watch Top 10 Engineering Projects of September 2025
Source: Press release
Evonik, Air Products, Clariant, Axens, Petrobras, Nippon Sanso Holdings, Lanzajet, Formosa Plastics Corporation USA, Eli Lilly and Company, BASF
10 min Reading Time
PROCESS Worldwide brings to you the ‘Top 10 plant engineering projects of September 2025’ from all over the world. Right from Evonik launching its world-scale alkoxides production facility in Singapore to Clariant supplying catalysts for the world’s largest electric steam methane reformer, find out all the projects making headlines here.
At a glance: Plant engineering projects from across the globe.
Evonik Launches World-Scale Alkoxides Production Facility in Singapore
Evonik has inaugurated its new world-scale alkoxides production facility on Jurong Island, Singapore—marking a major milestone in its global catalyst strategy.
(Source: Evonik)
September 04 – Evonik has inaugurated its new world-scale alkoxides production facility on Jurong Island, Singapore—marking a major milestone in its global catalyst strategy. First announced in May 2023, the mid-double-digit-million-euro investment strengthens Evonik’s ability to meet rising demand for alkoxides across Asia, while advancing its commitment to sustainable, safe, and customer-focused operations.
Designed to meet the highest safety and environmental standards, the facility is capable of operating with net-zero Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, aligning with Evonik’s broader sustainability goals. The plant’s strategic location in Southeast Asia ensures rapid response times and reliable supply for regional customers, supporting industries such as biodiesel, pharmaceuticals, and chemical recycling.
“This facility is more than just an expansion—it’s a statement of our long-term commitment to Asia,” said Lauren Kjeldsen, Chief Operating Officer Custom Solutions. “By producing closer to our customers, we enhance supply security and agility, while also contributing to Singapore’s vision for a sustainable chemical industry.”
The opening of the new facility was marked by a festive ceremony attended by Ms. Grace Fu, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations.
Air Products’ New Air Separation Facility in USA is Now Onstream
Air Products has recently announced that its new air separation facility in Cleveland, Ohio is onstream and supplying customers.
(Source: Air Products)
September 08 – Air Products has recently announced that its new air separation facility in Cleveland, Ohio is onstream and supplying customers. Air Products built, owns and operates the new facility which includes liquid production capability.
Air Products is also reinvesting at the same location to extend the life of an existing air separation unit and liquefier plant. Products including
gaseous oxygen, gaseous nitrogen and liquid argon are supplied under a long-term contract to an onsite customer, with additional products supplied to the regional merchant market.
“The new facility enhances this location as it will continue to provide a strategic footprint in an important merchant market while continuing to serve a significant onsite customer who is also investing at that location,” said Francesco Maione, Air Products’ President, Americas. “Our Cleveland operations serve a very diverse customer base in the regional area. The location is a good example of Air Products’ strength of production and supply from our base industrial gas business.”
Clariant to Supply Catalysts for World’s Largest Electric Steam Methane Reformer
September 10 – Clariant has recently announced a supply agreement with Sypox to manufacture and deliver catalysts for what will be the world’s largest electric steam methane reformer (e-SMR). This groundbreaking project combines Sypox’s cutting-edge electrical reformer technology with Clariant’s expertise to enable syngas production with significantly reduced CO2 emissions. Scheduled to begin operations in 2026, the e-SMR will use 10 megawatts of renewable electricity to generate approximately 150 tons of syngas daily.
“We are delighted to partner with Sypox to optimize and manufacture the high-performance catalyst for the first 10 MW e-SMR plant,” said Xaver Karsunke, Vice President Specialties at Clariant Catalysts. “Sypox technology revolutionizes the reforming process and supports syngas production. This system is expected to be both the largest of its kind--and the first in commercial operation.”
Founded in 2021, Sypox emerged from the prestigious Technical University of Munich with initial funding from the German Ministry of Economy. The company has developed an innovative solution to decarbonize chemical production through the electrification of traditional processes, including steam methane reforming.
Axens Starts Up First-of-its-Kind SAF Facility in Asia
The facility has the capacity to entirely convert renewable feedstock into high value Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
(Source: Pixabay)
September 15 – Axens has successfully started up a 100 % Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) unit at site in Asia. The facility has the capacity to entirely convert renewable feedstock into high value Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Date: 08.12.2025
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This unit is a revamp of existing hydroprocessing assets in which a simple two-stages scheme has been implemented. Combined with innovative catalyst solution including Axens 700 series, this Vegan unit allows full flexibility to produce either 100 % Renewable Diesel (RD) or 100 % SAF, permitting to answer the challenging market demand. Since its kick-off a few months ago, the unit has demonstrated to operate very stably with positive performance.
The Vegan process is thus able to prevent co-production of Renewable Diesel if not desired and focus on maximizing SAF. But what makes this solution unique is that 100 % SAF mode is obtained without the need of additional hydrocracking stage.
Petrobras to Develop First Bioqav, Renewable Diesel Plant in Brazil
Petrobras has initiated the contracting process to build the first plant dedicated to the production of Bioqav and renewable diesel, to be installed at the Presidente Bernardes Refinery in Cubatão, São Paulo.
(Source: Petrobras)
September 18 – Petrobras has initiated the contracting process to build the first plant dedicated to the production of Bioqav (or SBC, an acronym for Synthetic Blend Component for SAF production) and renewable diesel (or HVO - Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), to be installed at the Presidente Bernardes Refinery (RPBC) in Cubatão, São Paulo.
The project is expected to process approximately 950,000 tons per year of plant-based feedstocks and animal fat, generating a production capacity of up to 16,000 bpd of renewable fuels (Bioqav and renewable diesel).
The project for the construction of the new plant was divided into five contracting packages. The bidding for the first package, which is already open, refers to the pretreatment unit, responsible for removing impurities from the feedstock for subsequent conversion into Bioqav and 100 % renewable diesel. Tanks are expected to be installed to store derivatives and raw materials such as soybean oil and beef tallow, sourced primarily from the Central-West, South, and Southeast regions.
Contracts are expected to be signed in the second half of 2026, and construction is expected to begin at the end of the same year. Approximately three thousand jobs are expected to be created during the construction process.
Nippon Gases Norway to Develop New Air Separation Plant in Norway
The investment totals 400 million NOK (40 million dollars), and the plant is scheduled to start operations during the summer of 2027.
(Source: Pixabay)
September 18 – Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation has announced that its Norwegian subsidiary, Nippon Gases Norway, under its European operating company Nippon Gases Euro-Holding S.L.U., will construct a new air separation plant at the Viganeset industrial area in Hjelmeland municipality. The investment totals 400 million NOK (40 million dollars), and the plant is scheduled to start operations during the summer of 2027. This project aims to strengthen the supply infrastructure for industrial, food-grade, and medical gases for the aquaculture sector and other industries in southwestern Norway, while also contributing to the revitalization of the local economy.
In the Hjelmeland municipality, southwestern Norway, Nippon Gases Norway has decided to build its fourth air separation plant in the country. With an investment of 400 million NOK, the new facility will reinforce the reliable supply of industrial and medical gases for the region’s aquaculture, industry, and healthcare sectors.
The choice of the Viganeset industrial area as the site for the new plant was made possible through close collaboration with the Hjelmeland municipality and local aquaculture operator Årdal Aqua. During the construction phase, orders placed with local contractors are expected to create new jobs and contribute to the economic development of the region. The start of operations is planned for the summer of 2027. Once operational, the plant will support the region’s green transition and reinforce stable gas supply, helping to build a sustainable industrial foundation.
Lanzajet, KMG to Develop Kazakhstan’s First Sustainable Aviation Fuel Project
Lanzajet and KMG have signed an agreement to advance Kazakhstan’s first SAF project.
(Source: Pixabay)
September 24 – Lanzajet has recently announced that CEO Jimmy Samartzis spoke in front of an audience that included both the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the Chairman and CEO of the country’s national oil and gas company, KMG, Askhat Khasenov. As part of New York Climate week, Lanzajet and KMG have signed an agreement to advance the country’s first sustainable aviation fuel
(SAF) project and a first for Lanzajet in deploying its leading Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology in the region.
KMG and Lanzajet recently completed a joint feasibility study, and have agreed to move to the next phase of project development – Front-End Engineering and Design (Feed), during which all technical and economic solutions for construction of the plant will be finalized.
“Kazakhstan is the type of market that creates incredible potential across industries – agriculture, logistics, oil and gas, and aviation. Our collaboration at Lanzajet with KMG sets in motion regional leadership to advance lower carbon flight and decarbonization of aviation, economic development for the country, and energy security for the region,” said Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of Lanzajet.
“This collaboration represents a significant contribution to strengthening bilateral cooperation and will support our low-carbon development goals and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies. Overall, the project will positively impact the development of the biofuels market, improve the environmental performance of the aviation sector, and enhance Kazakhstan’s transit potential,” stated Askhat Khassenov.
The next phase of the project is set to get underway immediately following the signing of the agreement and the project is expected to support the anticipated SAF demand in Kazakhstan that is likely to hit 70,000 tonnes annually by 2030.
Formosa Plastics Commissions Largest Horizontal Polypropylene Reactor in North America
Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A. has recently announced the successful commissioning of the largest horizontal polypropylene reactor in North America at its Point Comfort, Texas, facility.
(Source: Formosa Plastics Corporation, U.S.A)
September 26 – Formosa Plastics Corporation USA has recently announced the successful commissioning of the largest horizontal polypropylene reactor in North America at its Point Comfort, Texas, facility. With an annual capacity of 550 million pounds, this state-of-the-art production line is poised to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of premium polypropylene products to serve the diverse needs of the company’s growing customer base.
Powered by advanced JPP technology, the new reactor is engineered to produce a complete grade slate of high-quality resins, including homopolymer, random copolymer, and impact copolymer. This versatile production capability serves a robust range of key markets, from consumer goods and industrial packaging to automotive and specialty applications.
This additional capacity complements Formosa’s existing manufacturing operations to provide customers with enhanced production flexibility and supply chain assurance. Furthermore, new commercial activities resulting from this domestic expansion are expected to create an additional sixty jobs for the community and bolster the surrounding Gulf Coast economy.
“At Formosa, we are committed to continuous growth and innovation to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said Executive Vice President Jay Su. “This new reactor allows our teams to work closely as partners to develop polypropylene solutions for a variety of key markets.”
Eli Lilly to Develop New Synthetic Medicine API Facility in USA
The site will be among those that will manufacture orforglipron, Lilly's first oral, small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, which the company expects to submit to global regulatory agencies for obesity by the end of this year.
(Source: Eli Lilly and Company)
September 29 – Eli Lilly and Company has recently announced that it plans to build a new 6.5-billion-dollar manufacturing facility at Generation Park in Houston, Texas. This planned next-generation synthetic medicine active pharmaceutical product (API) facility, the second of four new U.S. sites Lilly will announce this year, will focus on manufacturing the company's pipeline of small molecule medicines across therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic health, oncology, immunology and neuroscience. It is expected to be operational within five years.
Lilly will bring 615 new high-wage jobs to the Greater Houston area, including highly skilled engineers, scientists, operations personnel, and lab technicians. The company also expects to generate 4,000 construction jobs as the site is being built and brought online.
Importantly, the site will be among those that will manufacture orforglipron, Lilly's first oral, small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, which the company expects to submit to global regulatory agencies for obesity by the end of this year.
"Our new Houston site will enhance Lilly's ability to manufacture orforglipron at scale and, if approved, help fulfill the medicine's potential as a metabolic health treatment for tens of millions of people worldwide who prefer the ease of a pill that can be taken without food and water restrictions," said David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO. "This significant U.S. investment and onshoring of our API production capabilities will ensure faster, more secure access to orforglipron and to other life-changing medicines of the future."
BASF Breaks Ground for Mega Industrial Heat Pump for CO2-Free Steam Generation
From left to right: Alexander Fronz, Project manager heat pump, BASF; Christian Aucoin, President Global Engineering Services, BASF; Julia Aichhorn, General Manager GIG Karasek; Helmut Winterling, President European Verbund Sites, BASF; Peter Menck, Head of the Department for Funding Programs for the Decarbonization of Industry and for Climate Protection Agreements at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy; Andreas Schnitzhofer, General Manager GIG Karasek; Tim Lerch, Project manager heat pump, BASF.
(Source: BASF/Andreas Henn)
September 29 – BASF and its cooperation partner GIG Karasek recently held a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony at the Ludwigshafen site for one of the world’s largest industrial heat pumps for CO2-free steam generation. Dr. Peter Menck, Head of the Department for Funding Programs for the Decarbonization of Industry and for Climate Protection Agreements at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, was present as construction officially began on a heat pump system that will contribute to the energy transformation of BASF’s main plant by electrifying steam production.
The heat pump currently under construction will have a thermal output of just under 50 megawatts and will use electricity from renewable sources to produce CO2-free steam, which will be used primarily for the production of formic acid. It will reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions generated here by up to 98 percent, which equates to a reduction of 100,000 metric tons of CO2 per year. The heat pump will use waste heat produced by cooling processes in one of the two steam crackers at the site.
“The electrification of pivotal production processes and of energy generation is a key component for the chemical industry in achieving climate neutrality. In our gas and steam power plants, emission-free steam from the heat pump will now partially replace conventionally generated steam derived from fossil fuels,” says Helmut Winterling, President European Verbund Sites, BASF. “Our goal is to offer our customers products that have a lower carbon footprint. We achieve this both through biomass balance methods and through targeted investments in green technologies such as heat pumps. Thanks to funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, we can progressively and strategically invest in sustainable technologies here at our Ludwigshafen site in order to supply the European market with green products.”
The industrial heat pump, which is being developed in cooperation with project partner GIG Karasek, will cover an area of around 2,000 square meters next to the steam cracker and will be connected to the plant via pipe bridges. The architecture of the heat pump and many of its components have been specially adapted to the technical operating environment, such as its connection to the steam cracker and its integration into a chemical production environment. The heat pump, with its capacity of 60 metric tons of steam per hour (up to 500,000 metric tons of steam per year), is also setting new standards in terms of temperature lift and capacity. Commissioning of the heat pump is scheduled for mid-2027.