Mitsui & Co has begun the construction of an ammonia production facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in collaboration with several partners including an Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) subsidiary. The announcement was made on Tuesday as part of Mitsui’s broader strategy to establish global supply chains for greener fuels like ammonia and hydrogen, aligning with efforts to advance energy transition and mitigate climate change impacts.
Mitsui’s partners in the project are TA’ZIZ, which is owned by ADNOC, Fertiglobe, and South Korea’s GS Energy. The Japanese trading house has also secured financing for the project through a loan agreement with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
The plant, situated in Al Ruwais, UAE, is expected to commence production in 2027 with an annual output of 1 million metric tons of ammonia. The facility will incorporate advanced technologies to lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to traditional ammonia production methods.
Additionally, the project includes the installation of CO2 capture and storage systems, with an aim to produce clean ammonia by 2030. Mitsui plans to off-take a portion of the clean ammonia produced at the plant to supply Japan and other Asian markets. The ammonia will be used for various purposes, including as a fuel, chemical feedstock, and fertilizer.
Mitsui’s involvement in this venture underscores its commitment to building sustainable energy solutions. The company has a longstanding partnership with ADNOC, having jointly developed and managed a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in the UAE since the 1970s.
The development of this ammonia plant is a significant step in Mitsui’s strategy to support the global energy transition. By focusing on greener fuels, the company aims to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a more sustainable energy infrastructure.
The commencement of the ammonia plant project in Al Ruwais represents a key milestone in the collaboration between Mitsui and its UAE partners. As the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources, such initiatives are crucial for meeting global climate goals and ensuring a steady supply of sustainable fuels.
