November 11, 2025 [Decarbonisationn Technology.]- Blue Circle Olefins has successfully secured funding for the next phase of ProjectNL, the development of a commercial methanol-to-olefins (MTO) facility in the Netherlands. The investment, provided by a consortium of private investors alongside a Kansen voor West subsidy, will support the conceptual engineering and permitting phase of the project.

The proposed highly electrified 200 kton plant will convert sustainable methanol into 100% circular ethylene and propylene, the essential building blocks for approximately 60% of all chemical products in Europe. Once operational by 2030, ProjectNL is expected to reduce life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of plastics (PP, PE, PVC) by more than 80% compared to conventional fossil-based production processes.

Blue Circle Olefins has chosen Rotterdam as the site for the facility, leveraging the city’s status as Europe’s largest methanol hub.

Ralph Koekkoek, CEO of Blue Circle Olefins, said “Securing this funding represents a critical milestone for ProjectNL. It enables us to begin the conceptual engineering and permitting phase, which is essential to achieving commercial operation by 2030. The Port of Rotterdam offers the ideal location to realize a large-scale, future-proof facility.”

Nico van Dooren, Director of New Business at the Port of Rotterdam, added “We welcome Blue Circle Olefins to the Port and look forward to supporting the final site selection process. The production of fully circular chemical feedstocks aligns perfectly with our strategy to become a climate-neutral and circular port, enhancing resilience, supply security, and strategic autonomy.”
 

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