Celanese to build ethanol plants with advanced technology in China

Celanese Corp., a global technology and specialty materials company based in Dallas, Texas, U.S.A., announced its intention to construct manufacturing facilities in China and the U.S. to utilize recently developed advanced technology for the production of ethanol for chemical applications and other industrial uses. Celanese’s innovative process technology builds on the company’s industry-leading acetyl platform and integrates new technologies to produce ethanol using basic hydrocarbon feedstocks. Following necessary approvals, Celanese intends to construct one, and possibly two, industrial ethanol complexes in China to serve the fast-growing Asia region. Initial annual production capacity of each complex is expected to be approximately 400,000 tons. The company could begin industrial ethanol production within 30 months after project approvals. (November 21, 2010)