Nitrogen+Syngas 385 Sept-Oct 2023
30 September 2023
Nitrogen Industry News
Nitrogen Industry News
UNITED KINGDOM
CF Fertilisers to permanently close ammonia plant at Billingham
CF Fertilisers UK Limited, a subsidiary of CF Industries, says that it plans to permanently close the ammonia plant at its Billingham fertilizer complex in order to secure the long-term sustainability of its business in the UK. The Company intends to continue to produce ammonium nitrate (AN) fertiliser and nitric acid at the Billingham site using imported ammonia, as it has for the last 10 months following its decision to temporarily idle the plant in August 2022.
CF judges that producing ammonia at Billingham will not be cost-competitive for the long-term compared to importing ammonia, due primarily to projected high natural gas prices in the UK relative to other regions, and the impact of carbon costs. Additionally, shutdowns in recent years of industrial customers’ UK operations that had consumed significant ammonia volumes for their businesses have created a supply-demand imbalance for ammonia production at Billingham. The company believes that there is “ample” global availability of ammonia for import, including from CF Industries’ North American production network.
Closing the plant, the last ammonia unit operating in the UK, could result in up to 38 redundancies at the site, in relation to which CF says it will be entering into the required collective redundancy consultation process with its recognised union, Unite, and elected employee representatives. The company anticipates that some of the proposed redundancies might be avoided by redeployment opportunities.
Study highlights fertilizer nitrogen losses to atmosphere
Some nitrogen fertilizer types spread on UK farmland are ending up in the atmosphere, with the worst offenders emitting on average 18% of the applied nitrogen fertilizer as ammonia gas into the air according to a study by researchers from the University of Birmingham. The study reviewed ammonia emissions from different synthetic nitrogen fertilisers. They found that uninhibited urea fertilisers, usually used to increase crop production, were the worst culprits for ammonia emissions. In some cases, the amount of fertiliser that ended up emitted into the atmosphere was 77%. Emissions from these types of fertilisers often exceed the expected current maximum emissions factor of 8% being used to estimate national ammonia emission inventory from agriculture. The data suggest that 34% of synthetic non-urea fertilisers studied are exceeding these thresholds, and in the UK, agriculture is the dominant source of ammonia emissions, accounting for around 85% emission annually.
Professor Sami Ullah from the University of Birmingham and senior author of the paper said: “Among plant available nitrogen species, ammonium in soils is a key nutrient for crops upon which our food security depends. The uptake efficiency of crops for nutrients including ammonium is relatively poor, ranging from 20% to 50% on average globally, so a substantial amount of the applied fertilizer is prone to losses from soils including ammonia volatilization into air.”
The research team noted that urease and combined urease and nitrification inhibitors significantly reduced emissions, by 74.5% and 70%, respectively, compared to uninhibited urea fertilizers.
Partnership for ammonia cracking technology
South Korea’s power plant builder Doosan Enerbility Co. says that it has signed a research and development agreement with UK-based Johnson Matthey for ammonia cracking technology. JM plans to carry out studies into the development of an ammonia cracking model that could be paired with a hydrogen-fuelled power plant by the end of this year. The two companies intend to co-develop an integrated design technology connecting the ammonia cracking procedure with hydrogen combined power generation. They aim to apply this innovative approach to future hydrogen-based power production.
CANADA
Topsoe to supply ammonia loop for green hydrogen plant
Topsoe has signed an agreement with World Energy GH2 to license Topsoe’s dynamic ammonia loop technology for Canada’s largest renewable hydrogen projects, Project Nujio’qonik. Located in the Bay St. George region of Newfoundland and Labrador, Project Nujio’qonik was announced by World Energy GH2 in spring 2022 with an intended investment of US$12 billion to produce renewable hydrogen to decarbonize the hard-to-abate sectors globally. World Energy GH2 will supply 250,000 t/a of renewable hydrogen to global markets using wind power for production on the site, which is expected to begin producing hydrogen in 2025. Topsoe’s ammonia loop technology will be used to generate up to 1,650 t/d of renewable ammonia on the site.
Henrik Rasmussen, Managing Director, the Americas, Topsoe, said: “We are very pleased to support World Energy GH2 in one of the world’s first-to-market renewable hydrogen and ammonia production projects, highlighting our commitment to lead the development of the renewable hydrogen industry… we look forward to working with World Energy GH2 to deliver on its targets for production in 2025.”
Solex Thermal Science Inc. acquires Econotherm
Calgary-based Solex Thermal Science says that it has acquired Econotherm, a UK-based leader in waste heat recovery technology. Solex says that the acquisition expands its capacity to help customers reduce the primary energy consumed to produce industrial goods. The company has expertise in solid, liquid and gas heat exchange.
Econotherm is a leader in the design and manufacturing of heat pipes and exchangers for industrial waste heat recovery. The company focuses on difficult to recover heat that includes hot and/or dirty exhausts in industries such as automotive, metals, construction, food, mining, oil and gas, power generation and pharmaceutical. The company is also at the forefront of heat pipe research and development, having been recognized with green technology awards from Shell Oil and LLGA City Smart for its leading-edge developments.
“Solex’s commitment to making a sustainable impact within the industries it operates aligns with our company’s trajectory of being a world leader in today’s circular economy. Having the support of Solex will allow us to expand the reach of our patented heat recovery solutions and create a positive impact in the world around us,” said Mark Boocock, owner of Econotherm.
AUSTRALIA
Feasibility study on renewable ammonia
thyssenkrupp Uhde has been engaged by Ark Energy Corporation on behalf of the Han-Ho H2 consortium to deliver a feasibility study to support the development of the Han-Ho project. The study will involve a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of the power-to-ammonia value chain using
thyssenkrupp Uhde’s proprietary RHAMFS® methodology. The goal is to evaluate the influence of various factors on the overall cost-effectiveness of the green ammonia plant and explore multiple scenarios to identify optimal plant designs. thyssenkrupp Uhde will also provide technology, engineering services and integration know-how for the green ammonia facility based on its own ammonia synthesis technology.
Thore Lohmann, Executive Director Fertilizer & Methanol at thyssenkrupp Uhde, said: “With new partnerships like this one with Ark Energy, we are building a sound business case for this groundbreaking green energy project and taking an important step towards climate-friendly production of green ammonia.”
Pupuk Kaltim reportedly in talks over Incitec Pivot purchase
Indonesian state-owned fertiliser company PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur is reportedly in talks to acquire the fertiliser business of Incitec Pivot Ltd. Incitec Pivot has long sought to separate its explosives business, Dyno Nobel, from Incitec Pivot Fertilizers. The company has been close mouthed about the potential deal, but has said that it has “received a number of approaches for the potential acquisition of its fertilisers business”.
Outside of the ammonium nitrate explosives plant at Moranbah, Incitec Pivot’s main nitrogen asset is at Gibson Island near Brisbane. Gibson Island has the capacity to manufacture 300,000 t/a of ammonia, 280,000 t/a of urea and 200,000 t/a of ammonium sulphate. It also has a major phosphate hub at Phosphate Hill, Queensland, and superphosphate production at Geelong. Incitec Pivot sold its 880,000 t/a Waggaman ammonia plant in Louisiana in March to CF Industries. Pupuk Kaltim has five ammonia plants with a capacity of 2.7 million t/a and five urea plants with a combined capacity of 3.4 million t/a.
Aboriginal partnership to develop green ammonia
A clean energy consortium is aiming to use solar energy in Western Australia to power electrolysers to produce 50,000 tonnes of green hydrogen a year. The East Kimberley Clean Energy Project would involve a solar farm development on approximately 2,000 hectares of land owned by MG Corporation near Kununurra, a town in far northern Western Australia located at the eastern edge of the Kimberley region. The solar energy produced (approximately 1 GW) would be combined with hydroelectric energy from the existing 30-MW Ord Hydro Power Plant at Lake Argyle (approximately 70 kilometres south of Kununurra) to power electrolytic hydrogen production facilities co-located with the solar farm development. Fresh water for the electrolysis process would be sourced from Lake Kununurra.
The hydrogen would be transported approximately 120 kilometres by buried pipeline to Balanggarra Country in Wyndham on the North-Western Australian coast, where it would be used in the manufacture of 250,000 t/a of renewable ammonia. The ammonia would then be used in the local agriculture and mining industries, as well as exported to nearby Asian markets. The project proponents have indicated the project would utilise existing infrastructure in the region including electricity transmission lines, roads, airport, and the Port of Wyndham.
The project developers are a new company – Aboriginal Clean Energy – set up via three indigenous owned entities; MG Corporation, the Kimberley Land Council and Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation. Each will each have an initial 25% share in the company alongside climate crisis investment and advisory firm Pollination. A final investment decision is expected in the latter part of 2025 with post-commissioning hydrogen production operations scheduled for 2028-29.
NETHERLANDS
Collaboration on floating green ammonia plant
The OFFSET consortium, led by Netherlands-based project developer SwitcH2, and including partners BW Offshore Norway, MARIN, TU Delft, and Strohm, is partnering with thyssenkrupp Uhde on the development of an industrial scale floating green hydrogen and ammonia project, based on the proven concept of a floating production and offloading vessel (FPSO). In March 2023, SwitcH2 announced it had received Approval in Principle from DNV on its design principles for an FPSO which will produce ammonia offshore solely from renewable sources of energy. As part of the Approval in Principle process, BWO developed the topside arrangement, hull, and mooring system design for the FPSO with the engagement of thyssenkrupp Uhde via a technical concept study for the ammonia plant. The project consortium has received a grant of euro 3 million from the Dutch government in support of the project, which aims to have a floating hydrogen and/or ammonia production and storage facility connected to an adjacent wind farm by 2027.
“The green transformation is the biggest challenge humanity has ever faced, and we are proud to be one of the transformation enablers with our solutions and innovations at thyssenkrupp Uhde”, said Dr. Cord Landsmann, CEO thyssenkrupp Uhde. “To stop climate change, we have developed technologies that make sustainability feasible for businesses, reduce the carbon footprint of industrial value chains, and accelerate the growth of renewable energy. This is exactly what motivated us to develop our green ammonia technology.”
GERMANY
BASF splits off mobile emissions catalysts and precious metals services businesses
BASF has completed the carve-out of its mobile emissions catalysts and precious metal services businesses. The new company will be called BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS), and has global operations in 15 countries with more than 4,500 employees and 20 production sites. The ECMS business will continue to be reported as part of it operates aligns with our company’s trajectory of being a world leader in today’s circular economy. Having the support of Solex will allow us to expand the reach of our patented heat recovery solutions and create a positive impact in the world around us,” said Mark Boocock, owner of Econotherm.
AUSTRALIA
Feasibility study on renewable ammonia
thyssenkrupp Uhde has been engaged by Ark Energy Corporation on behalf of the Han-Ho H2 consortium to deliver a feasibility study to support the development of the Han-Ho project. The study will involve a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of the power-to-ammonia value chain using thyssenkrupp Uhde’s proprietary RHAMFS® methodology. The goal is to evaluate the influence of various factors on the overall cost-effectiveness of the green ammonia plant and explore multiple scenarios to identify optimal plant designs. thyssenkrupp Uhde will also provide technology, engineering services and integration know-how for the green ammonia facility based on its own ammonia synthesis technology.
Thore Lohmann, Executive Director Fertilizer & Methanol at thyssenkrupp Uhde, said: “With new partnerships like this one with Ark Energy, we are building a sound business case for this groundbreaking green energy project and taking an important step towards climate-friendly production of green ammonia.”
Pupuk Kaltim reportedly in talks over Incitec Pivot purchase
Indonesian state-owned fertiliser company PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur is reportedly in talks to acquire the fertiliser business of Incitec Pivot Ltd. Incitec Pivot has long sought to separate its explosives business, Dyno Nobel, from Incitec Pivot Fertilizers. The company has been close mouthed about the potential deal, but has said that it has “received a number of approaches for the potential acquisition of its fertilisers business”.
Outside of the ammonium nitrate explosives plant at Moranbah, Incitec Pivot’s main nitrogen asset is at Gibson Island near Brisbane. Gibson Island has the capacity to manufacture 300,000 t/a of ammonia, 280,000 t/a of urea and 200,000 t/a of ammonium sulphate. It also has a major phosphate hub at Phosphate Hill, Queensland, and superphosphate production at Geelong. Incitec Pivot sold its 880,000 t/a Waggaman ammonia plant in Louisiana in March to CF Industries. Pupuk Kaltim has five ammonia plants with a capacity of 2.7 million t/a and five urea plants with a combined capacity of 3.4 million t/a.
Aboriginal partnership to develop green ammonia
A clean energy consortium is aiming to use solar energy in Western Australia to power electrolysers to produce 50,000 tonnes of green hydrogen a year. The East Kimberley Clean Energy Project would involve a solar farm development on approximately 2,000 hectares of land owned by MG Corporation near Kununurra, a town in far northern Western Australia located at the eastern edge of the Kimberley region. The solar energy produced (approximately 1 GW) would be combined with hydroelectric energy from the existing 30-MW Ord Hydro Power Plant at Lake Argyle (approximately 70 kilometres south of Kununurra) to power electrolytic hydrogen production facilities co-located with the solar farm development. Fresh water for the electrolysis process would be sourced from Lake Kununurra.
The hydrogen would be transported approximately 120 kilometres by buried pipeline to Balanggarra Country in Wyndham on the North-Western Australian coast, where it would be used in the manufacture of 250,000 t/a of renewable ammonia. The ammonia would then be used in the local agriculture and mining industries, as well as exported to nearby Asian markets. The project proponents have indicated the project would utilise existing infrastructure in the region including electricity transmission lines, roads, airport, and the Port of Wyndham.
The project developers are a new company – Aboriginal Clean Energy – set up via three indigenous owned entities; MG Corporation, the Kimberley Land Council and Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation. Each will each have an initial 25% share in the company alongside climate crisis investment and advisory firm Pollination. A final investment decision is expected in the latter part of 2025 with post-commissioning hydrogen production operations scheduled for 2028-29.
NETHERLANDS
Collaboration on floating green ammonia plant
The OFFSET consortium, led by Netherlands-based project developer SwitcH2, and including partners BW Offshore Norway, MARIN, TU Delft, and Strohm, is partnering with thyssenkrupp Uhde on the development of an industrial scale floating green hydrogen and ammonia project, based on the proven concept of a floating production and offloading vessel (FPSO). In March 2023, SwitcH2 announced it had received Approval in Principle from DNV on its design principles for an FPSO which will produce ammonia offshore solely from renewable sources of energy. As part of the Approval in Principle process, BWO developed the topside arrangement, hull, and mooring system design for the FPSO with the engagement of thyssenkrupp Uhde via a technical concept study for the ammonia plant. The project consortium has received a grant of euro 3 million from the Dutch government in support of the project, which aims to have a floating hydrogen and/or ammonia production and storage facility connected to an adjacent wind farm by 2027.
“The green transformation is the biggest challenge humanity has ever faced, and we are proud to be one of the transformation enablers with our solutions and innovations at thyssenkrupp Uhde”, said Dr. Cord Landsmann, CEO thyssenkrupp Uhde. “To stop climate change, we have developed technologies that make sustainability feasible for businesses, reduce the carbon footprint of industrial value chains, and accelerate the growth of renewable energy. This is exactly what motivated us to develop our green ammonia technology.”
GERMANY
BASF splits off mobile emissions catalysts and precious metals services businesses
BASF has completed the carve-out of its mobile emissions catalysts and precious metal services businesses. The new company will be called BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS), and has global operations in 15 countries with more than 4,500 employees and 20 production sites. The ECMS business will continue to be reported as part of the Catalysts division in BASF’s Surface Technologies segment.
ECMS produces mobile emission catalysts for gasoline, diesel and off-road vehicles, motorcycles, small engines and other applications. It is also a prominent supplier of precious metal products, trading and services and is the largest recycler of precious metals from spent automotive catalysts. The company’s urban mine refines platinum group metals (PGMs) containing materials to a purity exceeding commercial grade industry standards that are fed back into manufacturing of new automotive and chemical catalysts. The recycling of precious metals emits 97% less CO2 than refining primary or mined PGMs.
Public hearing on new Hamburg ammonia terminal
Hamburg-based energy company Mabanaft says that it has reached another milestone in the planned construction of its ammonia import terminal in the port of Hamburg after presenting the necessary construction measures to Hamburg’s environmental authority BUKEA (Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture Authority). The plans include building a tank for storing liquid ammonia at Mabanaft’s existing Blumensand Tank Terminal. A HAZID risk analysis has also been successfully completed, examining possible nautical risks in the operation of the terminal as well as in the arrival and departure of very large gas carriers (VLGCs) at the terminal operating site.
Volker Ebeling, Senior Vice President New Energy, Chemicals and Gas at Mabanaft said: “The ammonia import terminal is the first step in building New Energy Gate, a terminal for sustainable hydrogen products that will enable Hamburg to import large amounts of climate-friendly energy.”
UNITED STATES
MAN to supply compressors for green ammonia plant
Air Products and Chemical has awarded MAN Energy Solutions an order for six air compressor trains for use in an air separation unit in its Clean Energy Complex in Darrow, Louisiana. The complex will produce more than 750 million scf/d of blue hydrogen for Air Products’ customers, which will be transported along a 700 mile pipeline on the US Gulf Coast, as well as blue ammonia for global hydrogen markets such as the transportation and mobility sectors. The facility will also capture and permanently store about 95% of its CO2 emissions – over 5 million t/a – equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions from more than 1 million passenger cars.
MAN’s air-compressor trains will be deployed at the core of Air Products’ air-separation unit where air will be separated into its primary constituents of oxygen and nitrogen. Both gases are needed for the production of hydrogen and ammonia.
Tamer Bayri, Head of Sales & Project Management Industrial Gases at MAN Energy Solutions, said: “We are thrilled to work with Air Products on this forward-looking project. This order reinforces our commitment to support our customers on their journey towards a sustainable energy-future with our expertise and stateof-the-art technology solutions. Our compressor systems are designed to meet the demanding needs of crucial air-separation processes exactly like this one in Darrow.”
The Clean Energy Complex is expected to commence commercial operation in 2026.
Nutrien halts work on low-carbon ammonia plant
Fertiliser producer Nutrien says that it has suspended work on a planned low-carbon ammonia project in Geismar, Louisiana. The company has called a halt to the project because of rising capital costs and “continued uncertainty on the timing of emerging uses for clean ammonia”. It said it is prioritising “other capital allocation alternatives”. Projected costs of around $2 billion increased by “around 15-20%” compared with initial estimates, according to Nutrien’s president and chief executive Ken Seitz.
Nutrien had been aiming to take a final investment decision in 2023, with construction expected to begin in 2024 and “full production” to start in 2027. While the firm will continue to engage with partners on the technology and downstream side regarding the project and “evaluate opportunities”, the decision to suspend the plans for now will mean a delay of “at least 24 months”, Nutrien’s president for nitrogen and phosphate Trevor Williams said. Provisions in the US’ Inflation Reduction Act which sharply lift tax credits for sequestering CO2 provide “a big improvement in terms of being able to try and justify” projects like the one planned in Geismar, Williams said. But this still “didn’t get [the firm] over the hurdle in terms of the economics of the project at this point,” he said.
MEXICO
Hy2gen announces plans for a renewable ammonia plant
Germany’s Hy2gen says that it is planning to construct a 200 MW renewable ammonia production plant in Campeche, Mexico. The project, named MARENGO, is expected to initially produce 180,000 t/a of renewable ammonia for customers in the European Union. A cooperation agreement has been signed with local development partners, and the project will now move on to feasibility studies and FEED studies, during which essential construction data and information on the operation of the production plant will be collected. These studies are expected to be completed after 24-36 months. Assuming that the project moves forward, construction of the plant will then begin, with first production expected by 3Q 2028.
“MARENGO will play an important role in the production of renewable ammonia for the European Union,” said Hy2gen CEO Cyril Dufau-Sansot. “This is mainly due to the ideal conditions at the site location, such as constant wind and many hours of sunshine. MARENGO’s electricity needs will therefore be secured by a 415 MW wind farm and a 230 MW solar farm.”
BRAZIL
Unigel idles Laranjeiras plant
On August 11th Unigel indefinitely suspended operations at its nitrogen fertilizer plant in Laranjeiras. According to the company, the decision was taken due to the high price of natural gas. Unigel says that it has made efforts to make the production of nitrogen fertilizers viable and “continues to establish dialogues with agents and public authorities and negotiate conditions with the main gas suppliers, in favour of solutions for the challenging situation that surrounds the chemical industry and the national production of fertilizers”. The plant has a production capacity of 650,000 t/a of urea, 450,000 t/a of ammonia and 320,000 t/a ammonium sulphate, making it the largest national producer of nitrogen fertilizers remaining in Brazil after the closure of Petrobras’ plants over the past few years.
AFRICA
Stamicarbon to build two 4000 t/d urea plants
Stamicarbon says that, following last year’s award of a license and process design package to design a 4000 t/d urea melt and granulation plant, it has secured a second license contract for an identical capacity and design plant with the same customer at an undisclosed location in sub-Saharan Africa. The bundle includes the correspondent proprietary equipment contracts to deliver the high-pressure equipment and the fluid bed granulation unit for the two trains of the plant. The world-scale integrated ammonia and urea complex will thus have a capacity of 4,600 t/d of ammonia and 8,000 t/d of urea in two production trains. This grassroots project, which is expected to be operational in 2026, aims to address the growing demand for high-quality fertilizers in the region and, thanks to the plant’s strategic location, globally.
The urea plants will use Stamicarbon’s proven pool condenser with MP Flash design bringing significant energy consumption reduction, and the granulation plant will use Stamicarbon’s fluid bed granulation technology. The plant design includes an integrated off-gas acidic scrubbing system that reduces ammonia emissions to a minimum, and salts reworking technology, an innovative concept that eliminates the waste water stream. The high-pressure equipment for both synthesis sections will be in durable duplex stainless steel Safurex® .
“We are glad to have secured this licensing and proprietary equipment contracts for this grassroots complex that will support agriculture, create local jobs and address the growing demand for high-quality fertilizers across the Sub-Saharan region and other parts of the world. We look forward to building a long-term relationship with our new customer over the coming years and watching this exciting project grow,” says Pejman Djavdan, CEO of Stamicarbon.
FRANCE
Air Liquide and KBR to offer low-carbon ammonia and hydrogen technologies
Air Liquide, through its Engineering & Construction Division, will work with KBR to offer fully integrated low-carbon ammonia solutions based on autothermal reforming (ATR) technology. Air Liquide is a world leader in ATR technology, one of the most suitable solutions for large-scale production of low-carbon hydrogen, which is then combined with nitrogen to produce low-carbon ammonia using carbon capture techniques. These solutions will be integrated with KBR’s ammonia technology, to contribute to the development of a global low-carbon hydrogen market as, when transformed into ammonia, hydrogen can be easily transported over long distances. Since 1943, KBR has licensed, engineered, or constructed over 250 ammonia plants worldwide.
In the longer term, Air Liquide and KBR say that they will work together to contribute to the development of low-carbon hydrogen as a key enabler of the energy transition. Ammonia can be easily transported over long distances and a global supply chain infrastructure is already in place for the production, transport and utilisation of ammonia at large scale. Once transported, ammonia can be converted back into hydrogen to contribute to the decarbonization of industry and mobility. In March 2023, Air Liquide announced the construction of an industrial scale ammonia cracking pilot plant in the port of Antwerp, Belgium to convert ammonia into hydrogen.
Michael J. Graff, Executive Vice President, Air Liquide Group, said: “Through this new offering, Air Liquide and KBR will combine their renowned respective expertise to provide efficient, reliable and competitive solutions for the production of ammonia and help the sector engage its low-carbon transition.”
CAMEROON
Yara Cameroon acquired by NJS Group
Yara International has finalised an agreement to sell its 65% majority stake in Yara Cameroon to NJS Group, which has been the minority shareholder since the company’s inception in 1995. Once this transaction is completed, NJS Group will become the sole shareholder of the company with the objective of optimising its offerings for the agricultural sector, currently focused on controlled livestock development.
To strengthen their collaboration, Yara International and NJS Group have concluded an exclusive distribution agreement for premium NPK fertilizers, YaraMila, and YaraLiva Nitrabor Calcium Nitrate. As a result, Cameroonian farmers and agricultural retailers are assured of future supply of these key products. As an essential part of this agreement, Yara International ASA will provide technical and operational support to NJS Group, ensuring a solid platform for future growth.
JAPAN
Agreement on green hydrogen and ammonia development
Japanese power consortium JERA has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. (PIF). The MoU will drive cooperation between the two parties, to explore opportunities for the development of green hydrogen projects and derivatives such as ammonia. JERA is looking towards the energy-rich MENA region as a promising production base for green hydrogen and ammonia. According to the company, to achieve its ‘JERA Zero CO2 Emissions 2050’ objective, JERA will work with leading companies in Japan and overseas to establish and expand supply chains for hydrogen and ammonia. Meanwhile PIF is advancing Saudi Arabia’s 2060 Net Zero target, and exploring investments across sectors including green hydrogen, renewable energy, energy efficiency and waste management.
Japan is reportedly providing assistance in the construction of an ammonia plant planned by Saudi Aramco, via trading houses Mitsubishi Corp. and Mitsui & Co. Saudi Aramco aims to produce as much as 11 million t/a of ammonia a year by 2030 with the addition of the new plant, using carbon capture and storage to lower the carbon intensity of production.
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Feasibility study complete for green ammonia project
Brooge Renewable Energy Ltd says that it has successfully completed a feasibility study for its green ammonia project in Abu Dhabi. The proposed project would establish an export-focused green ammonia production facility with capacity of 1,950 t/d, in two phases, with Phase I commissioning 300 t/d for delivery to Europe and Asia. The company says it expects to gain competitive advantage from favourable renewable energy prices and the lower freight cost to key end-markets.
“We are extremely pleased to announce the successful completion of the Feasibility Study for our Green Ammonia Project,” said Lina Saheb, Interim CEO of Brooge Energy Limited. “With our early mover advantage and strategic location, we are confident that our export-focused green ammonia production facility will not only meet the rising global demand for green hydrogen carriers, but also contribute significantly to the UAE’s and the world’s net-zero targets. We remain committed to driving sustainable solutions that benefit both our environment and the global economy.”
UKRAINE
Russia withdraws from Black Sea grain export deal
Russia has declined to extend the Black Sea grain export deal. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for Russian president, Vladimir Putin, said that the UN-brokered agreement had “essentially stopped” and that Russia would no longer be cooperating. The deal, which had run for 12 months from July 2022, had allowed the export of 33 million tonnes of grain via the port of Odessa and had helped contribute to a 17% drop in the price of wheat and a 26% fall in the price of corn on global markets. However, Russia had said that unless exports of Russian fertilizer, particularly ammonia, were included in the deal, and that financial restrictions on the export of Russian fertilizer were lifted, it would not continue with the deal. Other conditions included an end to sanctions on the Russian Agricultural Bank and the resumption of supplies of agricultural machinery and parts, and lifting restrictions on insurance and reinsurance. A possible contributary factor to Russia’s decision was an attack on the Kerch Straits bridge to the Crimean peninsula in the week leading up to the deadline by Ukrainian unmanned naval drones.
Ukraine will now be forced to export most of its grains and oilseeds through its land borders and Danube ports, driving up transportation costs.
INDIA
Deepak to expand nitric acid capacity
The board of Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corp Ltd has approved a plan to expand nitric acid capacity at Dahej, in Gujarat at a cost of $235 million. The expansion will include a 300,000 t/a weak nitric acid plant, and two concentrated nitric acid plants with a combined capacity of 150,000 t/a, according to a company statement. The plants will be built within the company’s existing site at Dahej. Production is tentatively set for 2025-26.
POLAND
New AN neutralisation plant
Poland’s Grupa Azoty has selected thyssenkrupp Uhde to supply a new ammonium nitrate neutralisation plant at Tarnow. Grupa Azoty is the second largest EU-based manufacturer of nitrogen and compound fertilizers. The new ammonium nitrate neutralisation plant will be based on the natural circulation process and produce liquid ammonium nitrate (AN). For this project, thyssenkrupp Uhde will be responsible for the licensing, basic engineering and supply of the process equipment as well as technical consulting services for the detailed engineering, construction, and commissioning. The process is based on proven uhde® technologies which form the basis of thyssenkrupp Uhde’s ammonium nitrate technology portfolio, and is characterised by a high circulation rate and a very low reaction temperature compared to other technologies, which operate at >180°C. With these chosen operating parameters, a high safety level is achieved by design.
Dr Cord Landsmann, CEO thyssenkrupp Uhde said: “This project for Grupa Azoty marks another milestone for us. It’s a big step towards a more sustainable chemical industry. We are proud to say that we were the only licensor who could offer a referenced technology which is able to use low-pressure gaseous ammonia as feedstock without requiring an ammonia compressor.”
