[ green ammonia ] additional nitrogen , which can be sourced from recirculating tail gas . This approach provides several benefits :
• Reduction of NOx and N 2
O emissions by up to 40 % through tail gas recirculation
• Reduction of catalyst usage by up to 40 %, along with a decrease in costs related to compressors and expanders
• More positive power balance since compressor power is reduced , with steam production rising by over 30 %
Leveraging knowledge and decades of experience , Stamicarbon can offer an integrated , competitive solution , streamlining processes to reduce emissions , cut costs , and maximize operational efficiency .
The Meadowlark project
A prime example of integration of Stamicarbon ’ s technologies in action is the Meadowlark project in Gothenburg , Nebraska , USA . This state-ofthe-art facility will be the first to incorporate Stamicarbon ’ s technologies in urea , nitric acid , and ammonium nitrate production .
Powered entirely by renewable energy , this plant will produce 450 MTPD of green ammonia . Down the line , the nitric acid plant , with a nameplate capacity of 330 MTPD , will be integrated with a urea section , neutralization section , and UAN mixing section . The nitric acid plant will operate at a constant pressure of 8 bar , combining the absorption and bleaching operations in a single piece of equipment . Due to the absence of a steam turbine , all high-pressure steam is exported and used in other sections of the fertilizer complex .
The facility is projected to produce impressive outputs : 365,000 tons of urea ammonium nitrate ( UAN ) and 146,000 tons of ammonium thiosulphate ( ATS ) per annum . In addition , the plant will produce 20 million gallons of diesel exhaust fluid ( DEF ) annually , targeting the developed heavy-truck transportation infrastructure in the region .
This project represents a fully integrated green fertilizer plant that will supply fertilizers to local farmers while utilizing waste CO 2
.
Another example of the integration of Stamicarbon ’ s technologies is the FertigHy project in France . Stamicarbon , alongside NextChem Tech ( MAIRE ), has been awarded a feasibility study and pre-FEED contract for FertigHy ’ s first low-carbon fertilizer plant . Expected to begin construction in 2027 , the plant will produce 500,000 tons of low-carbon nitrogenbased fertilizers annually , using hydrogen from renewable and low-carbon electricity . Stamicarbon ’ s NX STAMI Green Ammonia™ and NX STAMI Nitric Acid™ technologies will enable environmentally friendly ammonia production and highly efficient nitric acid processing with minimal greenhouse gas emissions .
Conclusion
The NX STAMI Green Ammonia™ process , with its modular design perfectly suited for smallto medium-scale , decentralized facilities , is a pioneering technology for green ammonia production . Based on proven natural gas-based technology , this process offers full flexibility in managing the intermittent nature of renewable energy , making it adaptable to various energy supply conditions . When combined with the NX STAMI Nitrates™ portfolio , green ammonia technology becomes a critical component in building sustainable fertilizer value chains .
By integrating renewable energy and green hydrogen with green ammonia and nitrates production , the global fertilizer industry can significantly reduce its greenhouse gas footprint and transform agricultural practices .
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 19 | December 2024 51