Prime Minister Modi dedicated the OPaL plant to the nation at its inauguration function this week.
OPaL is a joint venture company promoted by ONGC, GAIL and GSPC, implementing a grass root integrated petrochemical complex located in Special Economic Zone (SEZ) under Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) at Dahej, Gujarat.
The plant is the single largest petrochemical plant in India and will produce polymers like polypropylene and chemicals like benzene to be used in the textile industry. It will also produce linear low density/high density polyethylene, and chemicals like butadiene, pyrolysis gasoline etc.
The plant is strategically located in the petrochemicals and chemical hub of the country with excellent connectivity, creating an integrated ecosystem. It will generate direct employment for 3,500 personnel and indirect employment for around 10,500 people.
OPaL's projected market share in the polymer sector will be 13 per cent by 2018. The company would also contribute in encouraging polymer consumption in the country.
The average per capita consumption of polymers in India is 10 kg, compared to a world average of 32 kg. There is tremendous potential for growth of the sector catalysed by growth drivers such as increasing middle class, higher disposable income and urbanisation.
The petrochemical sector in the country has witnessed a robust growth of 10-12 per cent per annum in the last decade, and is expected to grow at a rate of 12-15 per cent in the next decade. (KD)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India