FAQs

Q

What is UBE’s proposed project at the Cornerstone Energy Park (CEP)?

International manufacturer UBE plans to invest approximately $500 million through its 100% U.S. subsidiary UCCA, at the CEP to construct a facility to produce critical components of rechargeable lithium-ion battery and semiconductor manufacturing processes. Lithium-ion batteries are essential to the manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicles, and semiconductors are vital to electronic devices and enable advances in computing, communications, healthcare, transportation, renewable energy, and countless other fields. Project construction work is scheduled to begin in late 2024, and the facility is scheduled to begin operation in late 2026.

Q

What product would the proposed UBE facility at the CEP manufacture?

The UBE project would produce critical components needed for a green future including, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), and polycarbonate diol (PCD). The project is projected to produce 100,000 metric tons per year of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and 40,000 metric tons per year of EMC, derived from produced DMC from late 2026, and 4,000 metric tons per year of PCD from 2027.

Q

What is dimethyl carbonate (DMC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) and polycarbonate diol (PCD)? How are they made?

DMC is a colorless, non-toxic liquid that will be produced using UBE’s proprietary process. This production process is a more efficient method that results in fewer byproducts through a reaction of methanol with carbon monoxide and oxygen.
EMC is a clear liquid produced through the synthesis of DMC and ethanol.
PCD is a colorless waxy solid or liquid used in a wide range of coatings, adhesives and elastomers, including high-grade polyurethane used in adhesive and coatings, produced by synthesizing DMC and diol, a type of alcohol. Its demand is growing as a raw material of environmentally responsible water-based paints.
DMC and EMC products are components of lithium-ion batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles, and DMC products are raw materials of semiconductors used in computing, communications, healthcare, transportation, renewable energy, and countless other fields.
UBE's established EMC production process enables high-purity DMC and high-purity EMC. This purity contributes to electrolyte performance which contributes to better vehicle performance.

Q

Why is this project needed?

The UBE project on the CEP site would create the first domestic U.S. supply of DMC and EMC, materials critical to electric and hybrid vehicles, cell phones, tablets, laptops and solar panels, and would reduce dependents on imports from China and other countries. Through this project, UBE would produce critical components of rechargeable lithium-ion battery and semiconductor manufacturing processes.
Lithium-ion batteries are essential to the manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicles and semiconductors are vital to electronic devices and enable advances in computing, communications, healthcare, transportation, renewable energy, and countless other fields.

Q

Why select the Cornerstone Energy Park site?

This project is a tailor-made addition for the CEP site. Cornerstone has safely and locally produced the essential ingredients UBE needs for its production process for more than 70 years. UBE also shares Cornerstone's commitment to the environment. Given CEPs competitive multiple transport network, excellent labor productivity, availability of raw materials such as natural gas, and good geographical access to battery supply chain markets, the project has the assets needed for success.
This project represents a significant and lasting investment in Jefferson Parish and aligns with Cornerstone’s focus on sustainability, modernization, and transitioning its site for the future. Through partnerships and projects like this one with companies who share the company’s commitment, Cornerstone is leading the way to a safer, cleaner, greener future.

Q

Will Ube’s project create new career opportunities in Jefferson Parish?

The UBE project represents a $500 million investment in Jefferson Parish that would increase sustainability and competitiveness of CEP production processes, spur local economic growth, and create local jobs.

Q

How many construction jobs would the project create?

Temporary construction jobs needed would be 50-200 for the first 11months and 200-300 for the peak construction period. Although the number of new hires has not yet been determined, the UBE project aims to use Jefferson Parish and Louisiana-based subcontractors as much as possible throughout the project.

Q

How would the manufacturing process and materials be handled?

The UBE project will be planned and managed with the same commitment to safety and sustainability as other facilities. UBE would own the facilities and the product, and supply product expertise. Cornerstone would operate, manage, and maintain the production facilities, feedstocks supply, and utilities.

Q

Would the production process and the new facility be safe?

UBE’s project would be planned and managed with the same commitment to safety and sustainability as other facilities at CEP. The project would increase site efficiencies and reduce byproducts, making processes cleaner and practices even safer.

Q

Would the proposed project affect the environment?

UBE’s project will be planned and managed with the same commitment to safety and sustainability CEP prioritizes. UBE and this project would seek to create local value through safe and low-impact environmental processes. The project being considered would be a minor source of emissions as classified by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (ss defined by Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 33 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, Part III Air (LAC 33:III). UBE would also build its own wastewater treatment facility at CEP.
Raw materials would include carbon monoxide, methanol, ethanol, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, caustic soda and so on. The final products will be non-toxic, VOC exempt solvent. VOC exempt solvents are organic compounds that are exempt from restrictions placed on most volatile organic compounds in the U.S. Further, reliable domestic production of DMC and EMC eliminates the carbon footprint generated by importing these products from foreign producers via ocean vessels. As essential raw materials for lithium-ion batteries needed for electric vehicles, production of the DMC and EMC needed for electric vehicles also contributes to reduced emissions over traditional engine-powered vehicles.
UBE and the UBE Group have a more than 120-year history of coexistence and mutual prosperity with the local communities we serve. Our important founding philosophy is not only to pursue our business interests, but also to contribute positively and be recognized as a member of the community. The company also uses the latest technologies to respond to changes in the times and industrial structure.

Q

How will the finished products be transported?

Products leaving the site for sale will be primarily transported by truck using ISO containers. ISO (International Standards Organization) shipping containers are built to international standards and designed to be safe and reliable for transporting cargo. They are made from high-strength steel, which is also used to build bridges and buildings, and are built to withstand harsh conditions. ISO containers also undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand thousands of pounds of weight.

Q

Would the production process or the proposed facilities be noisy, dusty or odorous?

UBE designs its projects and facilities with careful consideration for the health and safety of its neighbors, workforce and the environment. This project would result in limited noise, no dust and no odors.

Limited noise: UBE will comply with the CEP site sound/noise regulations. Rotating equipment, such as compressors, create noise in a DMC/EMC plant. However, this type of equipment is commonly used and does not project noise outside of/beyond the site.
No dust: DMC/ EMC products are in liquid form and shipped in ISO containers by truck. There is no dust during transportation. Some waste from production is solid. UBE will treat solid waste following the required regulated processes so as not to have an impact outside of the CEP site.
Limited odors: UBE’s production design is compliant with all required regulations. Any potential for odor during the production process will be carefully monitored and mitigated.

Q

Will UBE hire local employees, suppliers and vendors?

UBE values Cornerstone’s commitment to transparent operations, local hiring, local purchasing, and community investment, and plans to further that commitment in all aspects of construction and operations.

Q

Is the community aware of the proposed project?

UBE and CEP representatives have had multiple conversations detailing this project with the local community, state and local officials, Cornerstone Energy Park employees, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders. The project has been well received. We will continue to actively answer questions and remain transparent in response to all project inquiries.