On January 25, it was reported that the domestically produced POE (polyolefin elastomer) adaptation project at PetroChina Dushanzi Petrochemical Company has achieved significant progress, with nearly 60,000 tons of the product set to be manufactured in 2025. This milestone marks the successful large-scale production of domestically developed gas-phase POE, breaking the long-standing technological monopoly held by foreign companies and providing a solid guarantee for supply chain security in sectors such as photovoltaics and automotive manufacturing.
Often hailed as "industrial gold," POE is widely used in photovoltaic modules, lightweight automotive components, and high-end packaging. Driven by the rapid growth of the photovoltaic and other new energy industries, my country has become the world's largest consumer market for POE. Hua Wei, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, noted that as of the third quarter of last year, my country’s reliance on POE imports remained at approximately 95%, making the acceleration of domestic substitution an urgent priority.
The key to achieving large-scale production lies in a historic breakthrough regarding my country's pioneering gas-phase process technology. As the first domestic enterprise to master this technology, Dushanzi Petrochemical has focused on high-end polyolefin R&D since 2015, laying a robust foundation for the industrialization of POE. In April 2024, the company's R&D team successfully transitioned the technology from the laboratory to industrial production, achieving a "zero-to-one" breakthrough in gas-phase POE technology.
"Compared to the solution process—the mainstream method internationally—the gas-phase process consumes only 60% of the energy. Furthermore, the production process involves no solvent emissions, and the resulting product features low volatile content and minimal odor, aligning better with green, low-carbon development goals," said Wang Jinchao, Deputy Manager of the Polyolefin Department II at Dushanzi Petrochemical.
High quality is the key to market success. Currently, the light transmittance—a critical performance indicator—of Dushanzi Petrochemical’s core POE grade (UL0588) has reached an advanced international level, with quality stability ranking among the best for domestic POE products. Photovoltaic encapsulant films made from this product offer superior weather resistance, enhanced water vapor barrier properties, and a longer service life, providing a stable, reliable, and high-quality domestic alternative for my country's photovoltaic industry. Currently, the complete POE technology developed by Dushanzi Petrochemical is being rolled out across PetroChina, rapidly generating an industrial cluster effect. As other POE projects within PetroChina come online, they will provide a powerful impetus for domestic downstream industries to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance international competitiveness.
