Kuokuang complex to switch to imported gas

Stakeholders in Taiwan’s Kuokuang Petrochemical Technology Co. who are planning to construct a US$19-billion refining and petrochemicals complex in Taiwan have decided to switch from fuel oil to using imported gas as energy source, in a bid to win environmental approval from the government. Investors in the planned 300,000 barrel per day (bpd) refinery and associated ethylene plant have pledged to use gas for around 60% of the facility’s consumption needs to reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions. It will purchase supplies from Taiwan’s CPC. Switching to imported gas could increase costs by NT$7.5 billion (US$236.22 million) a year, according to Chen Bao-lang, chairman of the CPC-led venture. (August 4, 2010)