The new propylene and polypropylene factories owned by Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals Company (Sidpec) will start production by 2022, Egypt Oil & Gas reports.

They will produce 500,000 tons of propylene and 450,000 tons of polypropylene annually when fully operational.

Around $1.2 billion has been invested in the construction of the factories.

The Egyptian Natural Gas Company (GASCO) will provide the new factories with the feeding fuel while the Egyptian Ethylene and Derivatives Company (ETHYDCO) will provide them with the electricity.

Sidpec contracted with UOP International for the propylene factory license while the polypropylene factory license will be signed with Grace International Company in a few days.

Minister of Petroleum Tarek El Molla visited Sidpec on Tuesday June 5 to follow up on the recent updates of the petrochemical complex and its new projects.

El Molla, who was accompanied by oil industry officials, emphasized Sidpec’s important role in boosting the Egyptian economy by increasing Egypt’s national petroleum output.

He added that these projects go hand-in-hand with the state’s vision to expand the petrochemicals sector in Egypt.