Bayer Explores Expansion of Ethylene Production Facility in West Virginia

Bayer, a global chemical and pharmaceutical company, is considering expanding its ethylene production facility in West Virginia by renting or selling land adjacent to its existing sites in the region. The company is investigating the possibility of utilizing Marcellus shale-gas resources, which could provide a significant source of raw materials and fuel for the facility. This expansion plan aims to tap into the abundant ethane resources in the area, using it to produce valuable chemical feedstocks that could attract investments from current and new tenants in the region.

Key Takeaways:

• Bayer is researching the option of expanding its ethylene production facility in West Virginia by utilizing Marcellus shale-gas resources.
• The company is considering renting or selling land adjacent to its existing sites in the region to accommodate the expansion.
• Bayer's Institute and New Martinsville, W.Va., industrial parks are potential locations for a thermal cracker, which would convert excess ethane found in the gas liquids from the shale into valuable chemical feedstocks.
• The expansion plan aims to position Bayer at various points of the operation, including processing, shipping, and sustainable water treatment.
• The sites in question are advantageously positioned in the center of the field and are within reach of about 70% of the U.S. population.

Statistics:

• Bayer operates three existing sites in the Marcellus shale-gas development area.
• The thermal cracker facility would use excess ethane found in the gas liquids from the shale.
• The expansion plan aims to tap into the abundant ethane resources in the Marcellus shale-gas region.
• About 70% of the U.S. population is within reach of the proposed thermal cracker facility.
• The expansion plan would position Bayer at various points of the operation, including processing, shipping, and sustainable water treatment.

Sources:

• Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd., 2010, distributed by Contify.com
• Mr. Bryan Iams, Spokesman, Bayer Corporation