Repsol expands its industrial complex in Sines, one of Europe’s most advanced multi-energy facilities

Repsol is currently working to turn its sites into multi-energy hubs, able to process all types of waste as well as produce renewable fuel and products with a low, net-zero or even negative carbon footprint.

As such, the company is introducing new technology and digital solutions at its production plants, designed to allow it to decarbonise its processes through energy efficiency, electrification and measures aimed at driving the circular economy.

The transformation of industry represents an opportunity to advance the sector, increase its contribution to the economy, create quality jobs, drive the digitalisation of SMEs and diversify the country’s energy mix.

One of its most notable initiatives in this area is the expansion of its industrial complex in Sines (Portugal). Known as the Alba Project, it was launched in 2021 and includes the creation of a new linear polyethylene plant as well as a polypropylene plant, which will have a combined annual output of 600,000 tonnes. This will see the site grow from 143 to 181 hectares.

Once both plants are in operation, the industrial complex in Sines will be one of the most advanced in Europe due to its flexibility, high degree of integration and competitiveness.

A total of EUR 657 million will be invested in the project, making it the biggest in Portugal in the past 10 years.

Ayesa has provided detailed engineering and purchase management services for the project. This has seen it design the processes, mechanical and electrical equipment, piping, infrastructure and OSBL instrumentation systems.

This project involves new tank loading and unloading systems, storage facilities with a new tank and sphere, lines connecting the various units and existing installations, new safety and control systems, and utility and drainage installations. The existing facilities will also be modernised.

During the construction phase, it is estimated that an average of 550 direct and indirect jobs will be created, although this may reach more than 1000 at certain times. Once in operation, the expanded site will create 75 more direct and around 300 more indirect jobs than it currently does.

Las nuevas unidades utilizarán en el proceso tecnologías líderes en el mercado y las primeras de su tipo en la Península Ibérica.

Los productos obtenidos en las nuevas plantas serán 100% reciclables y podrán destinarse a aplicaciones altamente especializadas, alineadas con la transición energética como la industria farmacéutica, de automoción o alimentaria.

Estos productos petroquímicos, muy presentes en el día a día de cualquier persona, tienen un papel protagonista en un escenario de menor intensidad de carbono. Además, mejoran la eficiencia energética gracias a sus propiedades, ya que permiten reducir el peso de los materiales, por lo que, por ejemplo, contribuyen a un menor consumo de energía en la movilidad y permiten un mejor aislamiento de hogares y edificios.

Una de los grandes atractivos de esta iniciativa es que contempla nuevas instalaciones logísticas que podrían incorporar el ferrocarril. Esta posibilidad permitirá optimizar la conexión con el mercado europeo y reducir la huella de carbono asociada al transporte de los productos.