Havana - The construction of an electrochemical plant in Cuba, to meet demands from public health, sugarcane and oil industries, has commenced following an investment of over 4,6 million US dollars.

The director of the project, Sergio Díaz Arredondo, told Prensa Latina, that the chloric-soda plant, under construction in the Sagua la Grande municipality (Villa Clara province), is to be fitted out with state of the art technology.

Arredondo explained that the factory, which will provide liquid chlorine, caustic soda, sodium hypochlorite, hydrochloric acid and hydrogen, should be completed this year.

Experts view the plant as a major step forward, given the replacement of existing metallic mercury technology by a more efficient electrolytic ionic exchange membrane process.

He added that once the new factory is operational, it will stabilize domestic market supply, enhance energy efficiency and reduce the environment impact.

According to principal investor Roberto Moya Ruiz, 50% of the work has been completed and in excess of 90% of the metallic structures have already been installed. The assembly of new equipment and other important works are also underway.

However, there are more than 1,200 tons of metallic structures, over 20,000 meters of pipes still to be installed and 267 pieces of equipment to be assembled.

There are also earthworks, foundation laying, drainage systems, electrical systems, warehousing and temporary facilities and services for the builders to be considered.

The director highlighted that when the plant is ready, it will have the capacity to produce 21 tons of liquid chlorine, 80 tons of caustic soda and sodium hypochlorite, 36 tons of hydrochloric acid, and 17,000 m3 of hydrogen per day.

The Sagua la Grande electrochemical plant's products will primarily be used for water purification, the cleaning of heat conducting and food industry equipment, drilling, oil extraction and the production of soaps and detergents.

Products will also be used for home and industrial cleansing, in the hotel and tourism sectors, in specialized soldering and in the production of high-purity metals and solid fats.