Celanese to advance start of ethanol production in China

The Celanese Corp. said it will beginning ethanol production at its integrated acetyl facility in China in 2013, six to 12 months ahead of what had been announced earlier.  The acetyl facility will be modified with the company’s TCX advanced technology to produce ethanol using hydrocarbon-sourced feedstock.  These changes are expected to expand ethanol production by 200,000 tons by mid-2013.  In addition, the company said it has started construction in Clear Lake, Texas; the unit should be on-line by mid-2012.  A research and development center will also be constructed at Clear Lake. (June 16, 2011)