Mitsui announces construction of new ammonia plant in UAE — Reuters

Mitsui & Co. announced on Tuesday that it has initiated the construction of a new ammonia plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of a partnership that includes a unit from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). This strategic move is designed to fortify the company’s role in the global transition towards more sustainable fuel sources, such as hydrogen and ammonia.

The plant, situated in Al Ruwais, UAE, aims to commence operations by 2027 and produce 1 million metric tons of ammonia annually. This initiative is expected to produce lower carbon dioxide emissions than traditional ammonia production methods.

In an effort to further reduce environmental impact, the facility plans to incorporate technology to capture and store carbon dioxide emitted during the production process. Mitsui anticipates the production of ‘clean ammonia’ by 2030, using this captured CO2.

Financing for the project is supported by a loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), ensuring the necessary capital for development. Mitsui’s partners in this endeavor include TA’ZIZ, owned by ADNOC, Fertiglobe, and South Korea’s GS Energy.

Mitsui also plans to handle a portion of the clean ammonia produced and distribute it to markets in Japan and other parts of Asia. The ammonia will be used across various applications, including fuel, chemical manufacturing, and as a feedstock for fertilizers.

The collaboration between Mitsui and ADNOC is not new; the two have been co-managing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in the UAE since the 1970s, underscoring a longstanding partnership that has contributed to the energy sector in the region.