Borealis: Expansion of XLPE Production in Sweden

The Austrian plastics group Borealis is expanding its capacities for the production of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) for power cable insulation in Sweden.

In a recent press release, the group announced two projects at its Stenungsund site near Gothenburg. Firstly, a plant is to be built at the facility for the production of a new generation of homopolymer XLPE materials for insulating medium-voltage cables (MV cables) in power distribution grids. According to the release, this new XLPE material is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2027.

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The second project in Stenungsund involves the expansion of capacity for XLPE types used in the insulation of high- and extra-high-voltage cables (HV/EHV cables) in power transmission grids. Completion of the corresponding work is planned for the end of 2026.

Borealis Manager Craig Arnold stated: "We are continuously investing in innovation and optimising our product portfolio to meet the evolving needs of the energy industry. This expansion at our Stenungsund site strengthens our ability to keep pace with the growing demand for advanced insulation materials and enables our customers to deliver the power cables that make the energy transition possible."

The current release did not provide exact figures for the investments associated with the two projects in Stenungsund. However, the capacity expansion at the Swedish site is part of a larger XLPE production expansion project in which Borealis, together with its sister company Borouge, is investing a total of around 200 million euros (see also plasticker-News of July 1, 2022).

Vienna-based Borealis is 75 percent controlled by the Austrian oil and petrochemical group OMV, with the remaining 25 percent held by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). According to its own statements, Borealis is a global leader in sustainable polyolefin solutions and is also one of the market leaders in polyolefin recycling in Europe and a significant producer of base chemicals. In the 2024 financial year, the group generated a net profit of 566 million euros from revenues totalling 7.85 billion euros.

More information: www.borealisgroup.com

Borealis AG, Wien, Österreich

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