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Nitrogen+Syngas 396 Jul-Aug 2025

21 July 2025

INPEX begins commissioning of blue ammonia demonstrator project

INPEX Corp says that it has commenced commissioning work, including the introduction of natural gas at its integrated blue hydrogen and ammonia production and utilisation demonstration test project in Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture. The project is the first of its kind in Japan to implement an integrated process from the production to the use of hydrogen and ammonia. The natural gas used as a feedstock for the process is domestically sourced from the INPEX-operated Minami-Nagaoka gas field in Niigata Prefecture. The CO2 emitted during production is injected into previously depleted gas reservoirs in the Hirai District of the Higashi-Kashiwazaki gas field (using CCUS technology) to minimise atmospheric emissions. The hydrogen produced from this project will be used to generate electricity that will be supplied to local consumers in Niigata Prefecture.

Project demonstration operations are scheduled to commence in the fall of 2025, followed by the initiation of CO2 injection into the reservoir. The production of hydrogen and ammonia as well as CO2 recovery for commissioning are being conducted under a subsidy program adopted by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO), and the assessment and implementation of subsurface CO2 storage are being conducted as part of a collaborative study with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC).

Latest in Agricultural

JPMC and APC expand fertilizer production

Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) and Arab Potash Company (APC) have signed an agreement to develop an integrated industrial complex for the production of phosphoric acid, purified phosphoric acid, and specialised fertilisers. The facility will span sites in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone and Al Shediyeh, and represents a strategic collaboration between two of Jordan’s largest mining companies. The project aims to shift the country’s fertilizer sector from raw-material exports to value-added manufacturing, aligned with Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision. The complex will focus on high-purity phosphoric acid used in specialty fertilizers, as well as in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics applications. It is also expected to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities, with plans for training programmes for local engineers and technicians.

OCP Nutricrops surpasses 5 million tonnes of TSP

In late July, OCP Nutricrops announced that its triple superphosphate (TSP) production capacity now exceeds five million tonnes, thanks to the commissioning of the first two TSP production lines – each with a capacity of 500,000 t/a – as part of the strategic ‘TSP Hub’ programme at OCP’s massive Jorf Lasfar complex. This initiative is led by the OCP Group’s Manufacturing Special Business Unit (SBU) in coordination with OCP Nutricrops, OFAS and JESA. These flexible production lines can manufacture tailored fertilizers that integrate nutrients and additives to match specific soil and crop needs, OCP Nutricrops said.

CIL to increase BMCC stake

India’s Coromandel International (CIL) is set to increase its stake in phosphate rock producer Baobab Mining and Chemicals Corporation (BMCC) in Senegal further to 71.51% from 53.8%, according to local press reports. CIL is reportedly paying $7.7 million for an additional 17.69% equity stake, after previously raising its stake from 45% in September 2024. CIL originally announced it would take a stake in BMCC in 2022, when it paid $19.6 million for a 45% stake, along with a loan of $9.7 million into BMCC for capital projects and expansion. CIL plans to use the stake to ensure long term supply security of phosphate rock.