Haldor Topsoe-Yanchang China JV to build methanol catalyst facility

Denmark’s Haldor Topsoe  and Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum (Group) Co., Ltd. have formed a joint venture in China to build a methanol catalyst facility. Forming the joint venture and building the catalyst facility will be the first step of a long-term strategic cooperation between Haldor Topsoe and Yanchang.

Kaijia Yu from Haldor Topsoe has been appointed general manager of the joint venture.

The plant, which will be built in Shaanxi Fupi, will start up in early 2022. Haldor Topsoe and Yanchang have already designed the plant and have ordered long lead time equipment.

The joint venture aims to delivering locally produced MK-151+ methanol synthesis catalysts to the Chinese market. The joint venture will secure fast delivery to local customers, who demand high-performance catalysts for energy-efficient methanol production.

“Yanchang is well-positioned in the oil and gas value chain and a very experienced methanol producer. With this joint venture we combine Topsoe’s world-leading methanol catalyst technology and Yanchang’s outstanding production capabilities to produce our high-performance methanol synthesis catalysts that Topsoe will sell directly to our Chinese customers, enhancing our presence in the Chinese market,” says Amy Hebert, chief commercial officer, Haldor Topsoe.

Based in Xi’an, Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum Group is the fourth largest oil producer in China. The Chinese conglomerate is mainly engaged in the exploration, production, transportation, and sale of petroleum and natural gas, as well as the production and sales of petrochemical products. 

Yanchang also has a subsidiary company that is listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange called Yanchang Petroleum International Limited responsible for global operations and global acquisitions.