CO2 Emission Reduction: thyssenkrupp Uhde successfully completes Hydrogen Recovery Unit for Fertiglobe UAE plant

• Safe and seamless installation during full plant running operation

• Boosting ammonia production capacity up to 6 % through enhanced hydrogen recovery

thyssenkrupp Uhde has successfully commissioned the start-up of a cutting-edge hydrogen recovery unit (HRU) at the Fertil plant in Ruwais, United Arab Emirates, owned by Fertiglobe, a global leader and exporter of urea, ammonia and an early mover in sustainable ammonia. The scope of work included engineering, procurement and site supervision during installation and start-up of the units.

After the plant revamp and successful commissioning of the hydrogen recovery unit, the unit is now in operation. The plant will have a capacity of 2,120 metric tons (MTPD) of ammonia per day. The Hydrogen Recovery Unit (HRU) enables advanced hydrogen recovery from the ammonia synthesis purge gas, allowing for increased feedstock utilization and a 6 percent increase in ammonia output. thyssenkrupp Uhde successfully completed the plant start-up, demonstrating exceptional safety awareness and capability in managing complex implementation during live operations.

Global low-carbon ammonia production and CO₂ emission reduction

This milestone project represents a major step toward more sustainable and energy-efficient production of ammonia. At the same time, it contributes to a meaningful reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per ton of ammonia produced – supporting Fertiglobe’s strategic goal to reduce its carbon footprint and improve overall plant efficiency. The new Hydrogen Recovery Unit, along with an extended ammonia recovery unit, was installed while the plant was in full operation, demonstrating outstanding coordination and engineering capabilities. All tie-ins were carefully engineered and installed in advance to ensure smooth and safe integration without interrupting running plant operations.

Nadja Håkansson, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde: “We are proud to contribute to Fertiglobe’s ammonia capacity increase. This cutting-edge hydrogen recovery technology marks a significant step through a more resource-efficient production. By delivering innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions combined with our implementation expertise, we create sustainable alternatives for our customer, to set new CO₂-reduction standards.”

Ahmed El-Hoshy, CEO of Fertiglobe: “The new hydrogen recovery unit designed by thyssenkrupp Uhde and successfully commissioned by both companies, thyssenkrupp Uhde and Fertil, marks a milestone in our journey towards our Manufacturing Improvement Plan (MIP) focused on increasing production and energy efficiency. The project delivers an annual IRR on investment of over 25 %, increasing ammonia production by up to 6 % while reducing CO₂ emissions, and aligns well with our commitment to fostering sustainable growth. We are grateful for the seamless cooperation that made this achievement possible during ongoing plant operations.”

Efficient hydrogen recovery

The hydrogen recovery unit uses cutting-edge membrane separation technology to efficiently recover valuable hydrogen from the purge gas of the ammonia synthesis, supporting Fertiglobe’s efforts for capacity enhancement, resource-efficient fertilizer production and to navigate market dynamics and lead the transformation of industry.

About Fertiglobe

Fertiglobe is the world’s largest seaborne exporter of urea and ammonia combined, and an early mover in sustainable ammonia. Fertiglobe’s production capacity comprises of 6.6 million tons of urea and merchant ammonia, produced at four subsidiaries in the UAE, Egypt and Algeria, making it the largest producer of nitrogen fertilizers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and benefits from direct access to six key ports and distribution hubs on the Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and the Arab Gulf. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi and incorporated in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Fertiglobe employs more than 2,700 employees. Fertiglobe is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (“ADX”) under the symbol “FERTIGLB” and ISIN “AEF000901015”. www.fertiglobe.com

About thyssenkrupp Uhde

thyssenkrupp Uhde combines unique technological expertise and decades of global experience in the engineering, procurement, construction and service of chemical plants. We develop innovative processes and products for a more sustainable future and thus contribute to the long-term success of our customers in almost all areas of the chemical industry. Our portfolio includes leading technologies for the production of base chemicals, fertilizers and polymers as well as complete value-chains for green hydrogen and sustainable chemicals. www.thyssenkrupp-uhde.com

Contact

thyssenkrupp Uhde
Christian Dill
Press Spokesperson
Phone: +49 231 547 3334
E-mail: christian.dill@thyssenkrupp.com

Fertil
Asma Al Marzooqi
Corporate Communication & Corporate Social Responsibilities
Phone: +971 2 6026923
E-mail: m.asma@fertiglobe.com