Global Expansion: The Rise of Ammonia Plants from 2023 to 2030

The global ammonia industry is set for significant growth, with capacity expected to increase from 238 million metric tons per annum (mtpa) in 2022 to a substantial 311 million mtpa by 2030. This expansion is driven by 114 planned and announced ammonia plants scheduled to come online within this period, primarily in North America and the Former Soviet Union.

In North America, 26 of these plants are in various stages of planning and development. The United States, in particular, boasts 21 of these projects with a combined capacity of 23.6 million mtpa. The estimated capital expenditure (capex) for these U.S.-based plants is an impressive $38.5 billion to be invested by 2030.

Russia is also a key player in this global expansion, with plans to add 8.7 million mtpa of ammonia production by 2030. The capex for these Russian plants is estimated at over $8.5 billion. Furthermore, a significant portion of capacity additions in Asia are centered in India.

The top three companies leading these capacity additions on a global scale are Denbury Carbon Solutions LLC, BW Group Ltd, and Novatek.

Let’s delve into some of the notable upcoming ammonia plants:

1. Ascension Clean Energy Donaldsonville Ammonia Plant, United States (Start: 2027) – This project involves Clean Hydrogen Works, Denbury Carbon Solutions LLC, and Hafnia Ltd. With a capacity of 7.2 million mtpa, it’s estimated to cost $12.4 billion.
2. Copenhagen Infrastructure and Partners Sustainable Fuels Us Gulf Coast Ammonia Plant, United States (Start: 2027) – This project, in partnership with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Inc and Sustainable Fuels Group LLC, has a capacity of 3 million mtpa and a capex of $5.34 billion.
3. Novatek Yamal Ammonia Plant, Russia (Start: 2030) – Novatek is investing in a project with a capacity of 2.2 million mtpa, with an estimated capex of $2.61 billion.
4. Adams Fork Energy Mingo County Ammonia Plant, United States (Start: 2027) – Adams Fork Energy LLC, in collaboration with other stakeholders, is working on this project with a capacity of 2.16 million mtpa and an estimated capex of $3.84 billion.
5. Nakhodka Fertilizer Plant Nakhodka Ammonia Plant, Russia (Start: 2026) – This Russian project has a capacity of 1.8 million mtpa, with an estimated capex of $1.81 billion.
6. Gulf Coast Ammonia Texas Ammonia Plant, United States (Start: 2023) – With a capacity of 1.3 million mtpa, this project by Gulf Coast Ammonia LLC is in the construction phase, with an estimated capex of $0.37 billion.
7. Nutrien Geismar Ammonia Plant 2, United States (Start: 2027) – Nutrien Ltd is working on this project with a capacity of 1.2 million mtpa and an estimated capex of $1.82 billion.
8. Qatar Fertiliser Company Mesaieed Ammonia Plant 7, Qatar (Start: 2026) – Qatar Fertiliser Co is developing this project with a capacity of 1.2 million mtpa, with an estimated capex of $1.06 billion.
9. Derby Fertilizer and Petrochemical Derby Ammonia Plant, Australia (Start: 2027) – This Australian project has a capacity of 1.16 million mtpa, with an estimated capex of $1.55 billion.
10. Kemerovo Azot Kemerovo Ammonia Plant 3, Russia (Start: 2026) – Azot Kemerovo is involved in this project with a capacity of 1.16 million mtpa and an estimated capex of $1.64 billion.

These upcoming ammonia plants represent a substantial investment in the global chemical industry. They signify a commitment to meet the growing demand for ammonia, essential in various sectors, including agriculture and industrial processes. This expansion also aligns with a broader global trend toward cleaner and more sustainable industrial practices, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions.