Construction begins at Mitsui's New Clean Ammonia Plant in UAE
- 27-Jun-2024 4:13 PM
- Journalist: Emilia Jackson
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. ("Mitsui", headquartered in Tokyo), in partnership with TA'ZIZ (a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company ("ADNOC"), Fertiglobe, and South Korea's GS Energy Corporation, has announced plans to begin building an ammonia production facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Furthermore, Mitsui has secured financing for the project through a loan agreement with Japan Bank for International Cooperation ("JBIC", under Governor Nobumitsu Hayashi).
The initiative involves constructing an ammonia production facility in Al Ruwais, UAE, slated to commence operations in 2027, targeting an annual output of 1 million tons of ammonia with reduced CO2 emissions compared to traditional methods. To achieve these emission reductions, additional facilities will be integrated into the plant to capture and store CO2 emitted during manufacturing. The goal is to commence production of clean ammonia by 2030. Mitsui will also procure a portion of the clean ammonia produced for distribution in Japan and other Asian markets, supporting broader societal decarbonization efforts. The ammonia will be utilized in fuel, chemical, fertilizer, and other industrial applications.
With nearly five decades of experience in ammonia handling and being a leading importer to Japan, Mitsui has a longstanding partnership with ADNOC, jointly managing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in the UAE since the 1970s. Leveraging this expertise and strategic alliances, Mitsui aims to establish a robust clean ammonia supply chain, addressing decarbonization needs across various countries and regions.
In its Medium-term Management Plan for 2026, Mitsui has prioritized the Global Energy Transition as a cornerstone of its strategy. Central to this initiative is the development of clean ammonia, a next-generation fuel that emits no CO2 during combustion. Mitsui aims to leverage clean ammonia's potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, thereby contributing to a decarbonized society. By investing in and promoting this technology, Mitsui seeks to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable energy solutions and addressing global climate challenges in the coming years.
Mitsui's corporate mission, "Build brighter futures, everywhere," underscores its commitment to earning stakeholder trust and exceeding expectations. This dedication aims to contribute positively to global sustainability and societal advancement, ensuring a better future for both the planet and its inhabitants. As part of this commitment, Mitsui has identified five key material issues, or "Materiality," crucial for its sustainable growth. The company anticipates that the ammonia production facility project, in collaboration with TA'ZIZ, Fertiglobe, and GS Energy Corporation in the UAE, will significantly contribute to realizing goals such as "Secure sustainable supply of essential products" and "Create an eco-friendly society." This initiative underscores Mitsui's dedication to advancing sustainability through strategic partnerships and initiatives that address critical global challenges while promoting environmental stewardship and responsible business practices.