Nayara Energy, a downstream energy company, has selected Univation Technologies’ UNIPOL PE Process for its upcoming polyethylene (PE) production facility in Vadinar, Gujarat. The plant will have a nameplate capacity of 650,000 tonnes per annum (TPA) and will produce linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
The project forms part of Nayara Energy’s broader petrochemical expansion strategy and will incorporate Univation’s PREMIER APC+ 3.0 advanced process control platform. This system is designed to optimize raw material yields, enhance operational uptime, and facilitate smoother grade transitions. Univation will also provide technical support throughout the design, construction, commissioning, and startup phases.
The UNIPOL PE Process uses a streamlined, solvent-free design that reduces equipment requirements, emissions, and energy and water consumption. Its flexibility supports the production of a wide range of PE resins, allowing manufacturers to adapt to changing market demands.
The Vadinar plant is expected to boost domestic polyethylene supply and reduce India’s reliance on imports. Strategically located near key ports and major consumption zones, the facility is anticipated to offer logistical advantages and improve supply chain efficiency. The availability of locally produced PE may benefit downstream industries such as packaging, automotive, and infrastructure through enhanced reliability and potential cost efficiencies.
Nayara Energy’s scale and integrated refinery-to-petrochemical operations are expected to support its entry into the Indian PE market. The polyethylene facility is part of a broader investment plan that includes future projects in polypropylene and a proposed ethane cracker.
The company’s entry into polyethylene production is projected to influence regional market dynamics. The addition of 650,000 TPA of domestic capacity may reduce India’s dependence on imports. With capabilities to produce both LLDPE and HDPE, Nayara aims to serve a broad spectrum of end-use applications, potentially increasing product availability and market responsiveness.
The project’s scale and adoption of advanced process control technology could contribute to more competitive pricing and improved product consistency, placing competitive pressure on existing domestic producers and importers. Its strategic location in Gujarat—close to both ports and major consumption hubs—is likely to enhance distribution efficiency. As part of Nayara’s integrated expansion strategy, the facility may also catalyze further investment in the regional petrochemical sector.
Nayara Energy owns and operates one of India’s largest single-site refineries at Vadinar, with a capacity of 20 million tonnes per annum. The company also operates over 6,000 retail fuel outlets across India and is backed by a consortium led by Rosneft and Trafigura. Its diversification into petrochemicals aligns with a long-term strategy to create an integrated energy and materials business spanning refining, marketing, and value-added chemicals production.
Univation Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow, is a leading licensor of polyethylene process technology and a supplier of catalysts used in PE production. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Univation has licensed its UNIPOL PE Process to more than 100 production lines worldwide. The company’s technology portfolio is recognized for offering cost-effective, scalable solutions and enabling the production of a broad spectrum of polyethylene grades used in diverse end-use markets such as packaging, industrial applications, and consumer goods.
