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

Chapter 1
1.2 Industry size and geographic distribution of chlor-alkali
production sites in EU-27 and EFTA countries Europe
In 2010, chlorine with its co-products sodium/potassium hydroxide and hydrogen was produced
at 74 chlor-alkali plants in 21 of the EU-27 and EFTA countries (Figure 1.3), with a total
chlorine capacity of 12.1 Mt/yr. 65 plants produced exclusively sodium hydroxide, five plants
exclusively potassium hydroxide and four plants both. Approximately 3 – 4 % of the chlorine
production capacity is coupled with the production of potassium hydroxide and approximately
96 – 97 % with the production of sodium hydroxide. A detailed list of the plants is given in the
ANNEX [ 3, Euro Chlor 2011 ], [ 9, Euro Chlor 2011 ].
Source: [ 8, Euro Chlor 2011 ]
Figure 1.3: Chlor-alkali production sites in EU-27 and EFTA countries as of January 2011
Geographic distribution of chlor-alkali plants within the European Union 1999
WORKING DRAFT IN PROGRESS
Chlor-alkali production sites in Europe are shown on a map in Figure 1.3. Compared to the
same industry in the United States, the average plant size is smaller and in general the cost for
the main raw materials, salt and electricity, are significantly higher. The chlor-alkali sector in
Europe has developed over time and is scattered geographically. Many relatively small plants
are still operating; however, there have been shutdowns in the last few years because of
stagnating markets and concerns over the impending phase-out of mercury cell production
[ 4, SRI Consulting 2008 ]. [SRI Consulting, 1997].
Since chlorine and caustic soda are co-products produced in almost equal amounts, the
distribution of the caustic-soda manufacturing industry is essentially the same as that of the
chlorine-manufacturing industry.
4 December 2011 TB/EIPPCB/CAK_Draft _1