Under the terms of the contract, KBR will provide a license, basic engineering design and proprietary equipment for both plants, to deliver a capacity increase of approximately 35% at each plant. Capacity figures were not disclosed.

“This is a strategic initiative that strengthens Haifa's position as a leader in the field of precision agriculture,” said Haifa’s CEO Motti Levin. “It will contribute to an increase in agricultural yields while helping maintain an ecological balance. The two nitric acid plants are integral to our expansion plan to double our production capacity in the coming years.”

The group is spending 1.2 billion Israeli shekels – or $368.5 million – to double overall production of fertilizers at the site. Last December, the Israeli producer announced it had signed an agreement with Italy’s Saipem to build an ammonia plant at Negev in Mishor Rotem.

Construction of the 100,000 t/y facility, which involves an investment of more than $200 million, is expected to take about three years.

On May 27, Haifa also held an inauguration ceremony to launch 15 environmental projects at its Negev site, worth $80 million in total.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist