DUBAI- Abu Dhabi's National Oil Company (ADNOC) has reached full production of polymer-grade propylene from its newly commissioned Ruwais-based Propane Dehydrogenation (PDH) unit, the firm said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The PDH unit is a key element of ADNOC Refining’s expansion strategy to help create maximum value for ADNOC’s Downstream businesses," said Jasem Al Sayegh, ADNOC Refining chief executive.

"It also underlines our intent to continue to expand Ruwais to become the world’s largest integrated refining and petrochemical complex, operating to world-class standards," he said.

ADNOC plans to invest $45 billion over the next five years to expand its refining and petrochemicals operations, as it strives to become a global player in the downstream sector.

The expansion in propylene production will be over half a million tons per year, the statement said.

(Reporting by Asma Alsharif; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) ((asma.alsharif@thomsonreuters.com; +20225783290; Reuters Messaging: asma.alsharif.reuters.com@reuters.net))