KBR wins AGF Nitrogen revamps to cut gas use at 2 European ammonia plants

KBR has secured contracts to modernize two AGF Nitrogen ammonia plants in Germany and Austria, with the upgrades designed to reduce natural gas consumption, improve energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

At SKW Piesteritz’s ammonia plant No. 2 in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany, which has a capacity of 1,900 metric tons per day, KBR will provide technology licensing, post-basic engineering design services, process equipment and catalyst. The project also includes modifications to the back end of the plant and a new ammonia converter for the synthesis loop. The award follows proprietary engineering work KBR received in March 2026.

At LAT Nitrogen’s plant No. 2 in Linz, Austria, which produces 550 metric tons of ammonia per day, KBR will supply technology licensing, proprietary engineering design, post-BED services, equipment and catalyst.

Both projects will incorporate KBR’s Reforming Exchange System (KRES), which is designed to modernize the steam reforming sections of ammonia plants. KBR said the completed upgrades are expected to place both facilities among the most energy-efficient plants in their respective technology segments.

The companies did not disclose contract values or project completion schedules.

The contracts come as European nitrogen producers continue to face pressure from natural gas prices and carbon emission allowance costs. AGF Nitrogen, the Agrofert subsidiary that ranks as Europe’s second-largest nitrogen fertilizer producer, recently said it was considering reductions in ammonia production because of high operating costs.

The upgrades could help the two facilities improve their cost positions by reducing gas consumption, a key component of ammonia production costs in Europe.

KBR has also expanded its involvement in ammonia technology projects outside Europe. In October, the company secured a technology licensing agreement for Saudi Arabia’s new SABIC ammonia plant in Jubail. KBR recently also secured the license for Sabic’s new Jubail ammonia plant.

Source: World Fertilizer