TotalEnergies has announced a strategic reconfiguration of its Antwerp platform, a key industrial site for more than 75 years, to align with the evolving energy landscape and petrochemical market dynamics. The company is reinforcing its commitment to long-term competitiveness and sustainability by investing in decarbonization initiatives and streamlining its operations.

The Antwerp site, known for its integrated refining and petrochemical operations, plays a crucial role in TotalEnergies’ European operations. “By adapting and investing regularly in our Antwerp site, we’re securing its long-term future and ensuring that this integrated refining and petrochemicals platform remains TotalEnergies’ most efficient in Europe,” said Ann Veraverbeke, managing director of TotalEnergies Antwerp. “Whether the aim is to meet market challenges or contribute to decarbonization and the energy transition, the platform can be reconfigured to remain competitive and continue to provide jobs well into the future.”

One of the site’s major advancements includes a green hydrogen project in collaboration with Air Liquide. As part of a 200-megawatt electrolyzer project, TotalEnergies has signed a tolling agreement for 130 megawatts to produce 15,000 tons of green hydrogen annually. This initiative will be supported by green electricity from TotalEnergies’ OranjeWind offshore wind farm and is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions at the site by up to 150,000 tons per year starting in late 2027.

The platform will also contribute to the aviation sector’s decarbonization through the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). A project to produce 50,000 tons of SAF annually through coprocessing will launch in 2025, using a method that treats hydrocarbons and biomass simultaneously in a traditional refining unit.

In addition, TotalEnergies is advancing industrial electrification and energy storage. A 25-megawatt battery storage facility with a 75-megawatt-hour capacity, the largest operated by TotalEnergies in Europe, was commissioned last year. It supports renewable energy integration by addressing intermittency and bolstering the resilience of the Belgian and European power grids.

However, in response to petrochemical overcapacity, TotalEnergies plans to shut down its oldest steam cracker at Antwerp by the end of 2027. The decision follows the non-renewal of a major ethylene supply contract. The unit, which is not integrated into TotalEnergies' downstream operations, will be phased out while the newer cracker—fully aligned with internal production needs—remains operational.

TotalEnergies has committed to a no-layoff policy for the 253 employees affected by the shutdown. Each will be offered personalized options, including retirement or reassignment within the Antwerp site. The company will begin the formal employee consultation process in late April.