Chlor-alkali and chemical manufacturer NCP Chlorchem has launched its Electrolysers 9 & 10 expansion project following the signing of key engineering, technology and implementation agreements with global technology company Asahi Kasei Corporation, from Japan, and German engineering firm CAC Engineering.

In a media release, the companies say the project represents a significant milestone in NCP's ongoing investment programme and demonstrates the company's continued commitment to strengthen South Africa's chemical manufacturing sector through strategic investment in production infrastructure, advanced technology and operational excellence.

The expansion project will incorporate proven membrane cell electrolysis technology supplied by Asahi Kasei and engineered by CAC Engineering, supporting enhanced production capacity, improved operational reliability and NCP's long-term sustainability objectives at its Chloorkop manufacturing facility, in Gauteng.

As a key producer of chlorine, caustic soda, hydrochloric acid and various downstream chemical products, the companies note that NCP plays a critical role in supporting industries, including water treatment, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure development and essential public services, throughout Southern Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

This investment will assist in ensuring the reliable long-term supply of these strategic products while supporting regional economic growth, industrial development and supply chain resilience.

The companies say the project also reflects the strength of international collaboration in delivering industrial solutions, bringing together NCP's operational expertise and market knowledge, Asahi Kasei's globally recognised chlor-alkali technology and CAC Engineering's extensive global experience in delivering complex brownfield and greenfield chlor-alkali projects.

Together, the partners combine operational, technological and engineering capabilities to support the successful delivery of this strategically important investment.

NCP Chlorchem MD Schalk Venter describes the Electrolysers 9 & 10 project as an important strategic investment in the future of NCP and the South African chemicals sector.

By partnering with industry leaders such as Asahi Kasei and CAC Engineering, he says NCP is investing in proven technology that will strengthen its manufacturing capability, enhance operational reliability and support its long-term sustainability objectives.

“This project reinforces our commitment to being a reliable supplier of essential chemical products that support economic growth, industrial development and critical infrastructure across Southern Africa."

Venter adds that the expansion forms part of NCP's broader strategy to continuously modernise its manufacturing assets, improve operational performance and ensure the long-term competitiveness of local chemical manufacturing.

He says the project is expected to contribute to enhanced production capability, improved process stability and optimisation of operating performance, while supporting responsible and sustainable manufacturing practices.

“We are proud to continue our longstanding relationship with NCP and to support this important investment through the supply of our proven chlor-alkali electrolysis technology,” says Asahi Kasei global marketing and sales GM Tomoaki Aoi.

“NCP plays an important role in South Africa’s chemical manufacturing sector, and we are honoured to contribute to its continued success and to the country’s industrial development”.

Aoi explains that the electrolysers supplied under this project will also incorporate advanced technology from Asahi’s group company, Recherche 2000, helping NCP further enhance operational efficiency and optimise plant performance.

“We are equally pleased to undertake this project together with CAC, a valued partner with whom we have enjoyed a successful relationship over many years. This project reflects our shared commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable industrial development.”

Moreover, CAC Engineering global sales head Stefan Lorenz says the Electrolysers 9 & 10 project demonstrates the benefits of combining advanced engineering expertise, proven technology and strong collaboration between project partners.

“We are particularly excited that this will be CAC Engineering's first project in South Africa and look forward to bringing our global and long-standing brownfield and greenfield chlor-alkali project experience to support NCP and Asahi Kasei in the successful delivery of this strategic investment,” he comments.

The companies explain that the successful implementation of the project will further strengthen NCP's position as a leading contributor to the Southern African chemicals value chain, supporting South Africa's and the broader SADC region's industrialisation agenda through sustained investment in local manufacturing capability, infrastructure modernisation and the long-term supply of strategic chemical products essential to economic growth, industrial development and public service delivery.

The project will now move into the engineering and implementation phase, with project teams from NCP, Asahi Kasei and CAC Engineering working closely together to ensure its successful execution.