TotalEnergies to Restructure Antwerp Petrochemical Operations Amid Green Shift
TotalEnergies (NYSE: TTE) will cease operations at one of its two steam crackers at the Antwerp platform by the end of 2027 in response to shifting market dynamics and surplus ethylene production in Europe. Simultaneously, the company is advancing green hydrogen, battery storage, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiatives to reinforce its leadership in decarbonization and industrial resilience.
Strategic Pivot to Strengthen Efficiency and Cut Emissions
The Antwerp site, in operation for over 75 years, remains TotalEnergies’ most efficient integrated refining and petrochemical platform in Europe. Under pressure from petrochemical overcapacity and an evolving energy landscape, the company plans to shut down its older steam cracker, which has lost a major third-party ethylene off-take agreement. The cracker’s output was not integrated with TotalEnergies' downstream operations, unlike its more modern counterpart that serves facilities in both Antwerp and Feluy.
Crucially, the shutdown is not expected to lead to job losses. All 253 affected employees will be offered internal transfers or retirement packages, with consultations beginning in late April in compliance with Belgian labor laws.
Green Hydrogen and SAF Projects Position Site for Long-Term Relevance
As part of its energy transition strategy, TotalEnergies is investing heavily in low-carbon technologies at the Antwerp site. The company will utilize 130 MW of capacity from Air Liquide’s planned 200 MW electrolyzer to generate 15,000 tons of green hydrogen annually. This hydrogen, produced using electricity from the OranjeWind offshore wind farm, is expected to cut CO? emissions at the site by up to 150,000 tons per year by 2027. This aligns with European Union RED III targets for renewable transport energy.
In addition, the platform will begin producing 50,000 tons of SAF annually via coprocessing starting in 2025, helping aviation clients reduce their emissions in line with global net-zero goals.
Grid Support and Electrification: A Model for Industrial Decarbonization
To support Belgium’s energy transition and grid stability, TotalEnergies commissioned a 25 MW/75 MWh battery storage system in Antwerp—the largest in its European portfolio. This project helps offset renewable intermittency and represents a growing role for battery technology in industrial settings.
The company is also progressing with electrification of its refining processes to reduce reliance on fossil-based inputs and further shrink its carbon footprint.
Market Context and Sector Implications
TotalEnergies’ move to consolidate petrochemical production reflects a wider trend in Europe, where aging infrastructure and weakening margins are prompting refiners to streamline operations. The strategic repositioning of Antwerp—blending green hydrogen, SAF, and renewables-backed grid services—signals how legacy assets are being adapted to meet climate goals and economic headwinds simultaneously.
This announcement marks a clear pivot from commodity petrochemicals toward value-added, integrated, and sustainable energy solutions.
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