Shell-CNOOC JV to Expand its Petrochemical Complex in China

Shell plc SHEL recently announced that CNOOC and Shell Petrochemicals Company Limited (CSPC) have jointly taken a final investment decision to expand its petrochemical complex in Daya Bay, Huizhou, China. The expansion is driven by constructing a third ethylene cracker with an impressive capacity of 1.6 million tons annually. Ethylene isthe key component in making plastics, and downstream derivatives units produce chemicals, including linear alpha olefins.The final investment decision will also include building a new facility that will produce 320,000 tons of specialty chemicals like polycarbonates and carbonate solvents every year, which are very important for everyday life.Impact of SHEL’s ExpansionThe linear alpha olefins produced via the proposed expansion will produce detergent alcohol and synthetic lubricant base oil. The polycarbonates will be used to make impact-resistant plastics that will replace carbon-intensive steel and carbonate solvents will be used to make lithium-ion batteries that are crucial for the EV (electric vehicle) sector.The new facilities will meet the domestic demand of China. They will produce a wide range of chemicals that can be used in the agriculture, industrial, construction, healthcare and consumer goods sectors.The expansion, expected to be completed by 2028, will enhance CSPC’s competitiveness as it will extend its value chains, integrate with the existing site and improve the company’s innovation capability to meet the demands of the customers in the Chinese market.Shaping the Future of PetrochemicalsCSPC, the largest petrochemical joint venture in China, has been providing high-value products for more than 20 years.The new investment will help CSPC achieve its target of transforming toward premium and highly differentiated chemical products and aligning seamlessly with Shell Chemicals & Products’ targeted growth strategy at advantaged locations.SHEL’s Zacks Rank and Key PicksLondon-based Shell is one of the primary oil supermajors — a group of the U.S. and Europe-based big energy multinationals with operations that span almost every corner of the globe. Currently, SHEL has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Investors interested in the energy sector might look at top-ranked stocks like ARC Resources Ltd. AETUF, Gulfport Energy Corporation GPOR and YPF Sociedad Anónima YPF. ARC Resources, Gulfport Energy and YPF Sociedad Anónima currently sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Calgary, Canada-based ARC Resources is engaged in the exploration, acquisition and development of oil and natural gas properties. AETUF’s expected EPS growth rate for next year is 50.78%, which aligns favorably with the industry growth rate of 10.50%.Gulfport Energy is an independent natural gas and oil company focused on the exploration and development of natural gas and oil properties in North America. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GPOR’s 2024 earnings indicates 108.53% year-over-year growth.YPF Sociedad Anonima is an international energy company based on the integrated business of hydrocarbons. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for YPF’s 2024 earnings indicates 50.59% year-over-year growth.Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor StockIt's only 1/9,000th the size of NVIDIA which skyrocketed more than +800% since we recommended it. NVIDIA is still strong, but our new top chip stock has much more room to boom.With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $803 billion by 2028.See This Stock Now for Free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report YPF Sociedad Anonima (YPF): Free Stock Analysis Report Gulfport Energy Corporation (GPOR): Free Stock Analysis Report Arc Resources Ltd. (AETUF): Free Stock Analysis Report Shell PLC Unsponsored ADR (SHEL): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks