Reliance, Adnoc to jointly develop world-scale chemical projects in Abu Dhabi

The project, being constructed in the Ta’Ziz Industrial Chemicals Zone, which is a joint venture between Adnoc and ADQ, will capitalise on growing demand for these critical industrial raw materials, RIL stated in a release.

The agreement is in line with Adnoc’s downstream and industry growth plans and its 2030 strategy. Petrochemical, refining and gas growth projects are currently under construction, with a number of projects also recently completed across the downstream and industry portfolio. 

Adnoc is gearing up for growth with Ta’Ziz, a world-scale chemicals production hub and industrial ecosystem based in Ruwais, with investment in excess of AED 18 billion and a number of further growth projects in the downstream and industry sector. Since 2018, Adnoc has attracted significant foreign direct investment from international partners in the downstream business, including refining, fertilisers and gas pipelines.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ta’Ziz and Reliance will construct an integrated plant, with capacity to produce 9,40,000 tonnes of chlor-alkali, 1.1 million tonnes of ethylene dichloride and 3,60,000 tonnes of PVC annually.

“We are delighted to attract an investor of Reliance’s calibre to partner with Adnoc and ADQ in accelerating growth at Ta’Ziz. This agreement is a significant milestone, as we continue to grow a globally competitive industrial ecosystem and highly attractive investor value proposition,” Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE minister of industry and advanced technology and Adnoc managing director and group CEO, said. 

“In line with our 2030 strategy, we look forward to creating further opportunities across the entire Ta’Ziz ecosystem for the next generation of local industry. The domestic production of critical industrial raw materials strengthens our supply chains, drives in-country value and accelerates the UAE’s economic diversification,” he added.

“We at Reliance are excited to enter into a strategic partnership with Adnoc for establishing a world-class and world-scale chemical project at Ta’Ziz in Ruwais. This important milestone further bolsters our long-standing relationship with Adnoc, reaffirming our faith in the global vision of the UAE’s wise leadership. It is also yet another testimony to the enormous potential in advancing India-UAE cooperation in value enhancement in the energy and petrochemicals sectors. The project will manufacture ethylene dichloride, a key building block for production of PVC in India. This is a significant step in globalising Reliance’s operations, and we are proud to partner with Adnoc in this important project for the region,” Reliance Industries chairman and managing director Mukesh D Ambani said.

Chlor-alkali is used in water treatment and in the manufacture of textiles and metals. Ethylene dichloride is typically used to produce PVC, which has a wide range of applications across housing, infrastructure and consumer goods. The market for these chemicals is expected to enjoy steady growth supported by the needs of growing demand, particularly in Asia and Africa.

Production of these chemicals will create opportunities for local industry to source critical raw materials in the UAE for the first time, creating additional opportunities for in-county value. For example, chlor-alkali will enable production of caustic soda, essential for the production of aluminium. Ethylene dichloride and PVC have a wide range of applications across housing, infrastructure and consumer goods.

Since its launch in November 2020, Ta’Ziz has made significant progress. Development activities at the site have moved forward, with land and marine surveys already completed. Considerable interest has been received from local and international investors in opportunities across the entire ecosystem and value chain, and agreements with the first phase of investors are nearing finalisation.

Contracts have been awarded for the first stages of development of the Ta’Ziz site, and work is already underway. This includes geotechnical and topographical surveys, a marine bathymetric survey and health, safety, and environment impact assessments, which have already been completed. The surveys will enable civil engineering works to commence, preparing the Ta’Ziz site for construction as well as dredging for an entirely new port facility.

Tenders for the initial design of the seven Ta’Ziz chemicals derivatives projects have been awarded and work is ongoing. Final investment decisions for the projects and awards of related EPC contracts are being targeted for 2022.

Adnoc is a leading diversified energy and petrochemicals group wholly owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Adnoc’s objective is to maximise the value of the Emirate’s vast hydrocarbon reserves through responsible and sustainable exploration and production to support the United Arab Emirates’ economic growth and diversification.

Established in Abu Dhabi in 2018, ADQ is one of the region's largest holding companies with direct and indirect investments in more than 90 companies locally and internationally. Both an asset owner and investor, ADQ’s broad portfolio of major enterprises span key sectors of a diversified economy, including energy and utilities, food and agriculture, healthcare and pharma, and mobility and logistics, amongst others. 

In Arabic, Ta’Ziz means advancement, strengthening or creating a foundation. It is an industrial services and logistics ecosystem that drives, supports, and enables the growth of the Ruwais Industrial Complex and Abu Dhabi’s chemicals, advanced manufacturing and industrial sectors.