NextChem will start a feasibility study for the 240 t/d plant, which will use renewable energy as feedstock via the intermediate production of green hydrogen.

MET Development will assist Greenfield Nitrogen in developing the project, which will be located near Garner, Iowa, in the US Corn Belt. The plant will be powered by local renewable sources and will supply its output to the local market, which traditionally consumes large volumes of ammonia and is dependent on imports from overseas.

The facility will use best available technology for producing green hydrogen, together with Stamicarbon’s STAMI green ammonia technology that launched in May. The ammonia unit is expected to save more than 166,000 t/y of CO₂ emissions.

“The combination of co-developer, technology provider and EPC contractor makes Maire Tecnimont a unique player in the green ammonia market, an area that will be vital to industrialize the on-going energy transition through green hydrogen. Thanks to Greenfield Nitrogen’s experience and local presence we expect this first project to pave the way for other green industrial initiatives to come,” said Maire Tecnimont CEO Pierroberto Folgiero.

Greenfield Nitrogen’s aim is to develop a network of green hydrogen and ammonia facilities in the US Midwest to serve emerging renewable energy markets. As well as being the primary feedstock for green fertilizers, green ammonia can also be used as a clean low-emission fuel for ships and airplanes, as well as being a renewable energy carrier.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist