CF Industries Holdings announced it is evaluating a site in Ascension Parish for construction of a proposed $2 billion blue ammonia production facility that would create 103 direct new jobs in the Capital Region with an estimated average annual salary of $110,582 plus benefits.
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LED estimates the project would result in 311 indirect jobs, for a total of 414 new jobs in the Capital Region.
The proposed export-oriented facility would be developed jointly by CF Industries and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
By employing carbon capture and sequestration, the ammonia production process would result in significantly lower carbon emissions than conventional ammonia processes, qualifying it as a “blue” process.
Blue ammonia is seen as a key clean energy source since its components – nitrogen and hydrogen – do not emit carbon when combusted.
CF Industries and Mitsui expect to begin a front-end engineering design (FEED) study once the site and technology provider for the new plant are finalized. A FEED study typically takes 9-12 months from the start date to complete.
A final investment decision by the companies is expected to occur in 2023. Construction and commissioning of a new world-scale capacity ammonia plant typically takes approximately four years from that point.
CF Industries is the world’s largest producer of ammonia, with a global manufacturing and distribution network. The Ascension Parish project under consideration is part of the company’s commitment to produce ammonia for clean energy applications while decarbonizing its ammonia production process.
Earlier this month, it announced a $198.5 million plan to add carbon capture and sequestration capability to its existing ammonia production facility in Donaldsonville. ■
A low pressure wave forming along a cold front will track across the New England coast this morning, bringing a period of rain, heavy at times for much of New England, especially for Maine today.