INEOS seeks tax incentives for possible US styrene plant

HOUSTON (ICIS)–INEOS Styrolution has applied for a tax incentive from the US state of Texas for a possible ethylbenzene and styrene monomer plant in La Porte, according to the application.

If INEOS moves ahead with the project, it will be next to its existing Battleground complex in La Porte, the application said.

If built, the plant will have a capacity of 850,000 tonnes/year.

Construction could start in the first quarter of 2021, and operations could start in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to the application.

So far, INEOS has signed agreements for preliminary design and engineering work. Companies typically conduct such work to determine whether a project is technically viable and profitable.

The plant is still in the evaluation stage, and INEOS has not made any formal permit filings, the application said. The company has not signed any engineering, procurement or construction contracts.

In addition to La Porte, INEOS is also considering Pasadena, Texas; Green Lake, Texas; Chocolate Bayou, Texas; Mobile, Alabama; and Jackson county, Mississippi.

INEOS had announced that it would consider building a styrene plant on the US Gulf Coast back in 2018.

The company did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.

Image above shows measuring spoons made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Photo by Al Greenwood