(BAT) Reference Document for the Production of Chlor-alkali ...

Chlorine production in Mt/yr
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
70 %
2
1
0
Production EU-15 & EFTA
Production EU-27 & EFTA
Utilisation ratio EU-27 & EFTA
65 %
60 %
1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010
Year
Source: [ 2, Le Chlore 2002 ], [ 6, Euro Chlor 2011 ][Le Chlore, 1996]
100 %
95 %
90 %
85 %
80 %
75 %
Chapter 1
Figure 1.2: Development of chlorine production in western Europe and utilisation ratio of
plant capacity in EU and EFTA countries
Figure 1.2 shows the annual chlorine production in western Europe per country in 1999.
Denmark and Luxembourg do not have any chlor-alkali plants and Ireland, with only 6000
tonnes production capacity, is not shown. In June 2000, there were 79 chlorine production
plants corresponding to 93 process units in 15 west European countries (EU countries,
Switzerland and Norway). A detailed list is given in Annex A.
Figure 1.2: Chlorine production in western Europe in 1999
[Euro Chlor] {Text and figure were updated and moved to the following Section.}
The chlor-alkali industry is the basis for approximately 55 % of the chemical industry in EU-27
and EFTA countries which generated a turnover of almost EUR 770 billion in 2008. The 38
producer members of Euro Chlor, the European association representing the chlor-alkali
industry, directly employ about 39 000 people at 70 production sites in 22 countries, while
approximately 2 000 000 jobs are estimated to be directly or indirectly related to the use of
chlorine and caustic soda when the numerous downstream activities are taken into consideration
[ 7, Euro Chlor 2010 ], [ 8, Euro Chlor 2011 ].
The total value of western European chlor-alkali sector production is 3 billion euros, according
to [SRI Consulting, 1997]. SRI Consulting estimates that the turnover in 1995 generated by
chlor-alkali related products amounted to some 230 billion euros, that is about 60 % of the
turnover of the west European chemical industry.
WORKING DRAFT IN PROGRESS
Euro Chlor estimates that there are 46000 employees involved in the direct production of
chlorine in the EU. When chlorine derivatives and chlorine-dependent industry are included the
number of employees is approximately two million.
TB/EIPPCB/CAK_Draft_1 December 2011 3
Utilisation ratio