KBR, a leading US-based engineering company, has secured a contract from INPEX Corporation and LSB Industries to spearhead the development of a substantial clean ammonia production and export project in the US Gulf Coast. This ambitious initiative is set to produce 1.1 million tonnes per annum of clean ammonia, emphasizing the growing importance of sustainable and low-carbon solutions in the energy sector.

The terms of the contract outline KBR's role in providing technology licensing and engineering design for the large-scale plant, specifically designed to incorporate carbon capture capabilities. This underscores the project's commitment not only to ammonia production but also to mitigating environmental impact by capturing carbon emissions.

The genesis of this collaborative effort traces back to October 2023 when LSB Industries, INPEX Corporation, Air Liquide, and Vopak Moda jointly announced their collaboration on the pre-front-end engineering and design for this expansive, low-carbon ammonia production and export project situated along the Houston Ship Channel. The consortium expressed its aspiration for the plant to commence operations by the end of 2027, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.

Shoichi Kaganoi, Senior Vice-President of the Hydrogen and CCUS Development Division at INPEX, highlighted KBR's pivotal role in the project, emphasizing that the company's commitment is integral to achieving optimal low-carbon ammonia production characterized by efficiency, robustness, and safety standards.

KBR, with a rich history dating back to 1943, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having been involved in the licensing, engineering, or construction of more than 250 grassroots ammonia plants across the globe. This extensive track record underscores KBR's expertise in the field, positioning it as a key player in advancing clean ammonia production technologies.

According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), as of April 1, 2021, ammonia production in the US occurs at 31 plants spread across 17 states. These plants facilitate the transportation of ammonia throughout the country via various means, including pipelines, rail, barges, and trucks. The versatility in transportation methods reflects the significance of ammonia as a crucial component in various industrial processes.

Furthermore, the US Geological Survey notes a noteworthy trend in US ammonia production, indicating a consistent increase since 2015. The production figures have risen by an impressive 46%, surging from 11.6 million metric tonnes per year in 2015 to 17.0 million metric tonnes per year in 2020. This data underscores the enduring importance of ammonia in the US industrial landscape and signals a potential for continued growth, especially with a heightened focus on cleaner and more sustainable production methods.