Category: Agricultural

Europe is likely to become an increasing ammonia importer over the coming years as low global ammonia prices and high European gas prices squeeze producer margins, but CBAM remains a wild card.

A consortium including Danish companies Skovgaard Energy, Topsoe and Vestas says that it has reached an important milestone with the startup of operations in what they describe as the world’s first-of-its-kind green ammonia plant. The plant, owned by Skovgaard Energy and located in Ramme Denmark, is a demonstrator for a dynamic approach to green ammonia production, which means that the plant will adapt to the inherent fluctuations in power output from the renewable power sources in integration with the plant’s electrolysis and ammonia synthesis loop. This, say the developers, will ensure optimal production and improve the cost-effectiveness of green ammonia, ensuring less need for costly storage solutions of green hydrogen or renewable power. Production capacity is 5,000 t/a of green ammonia, with an associated CO2 reduction of 9,600 t/a. The partnership has received euro 11 million in funding from the Danish Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program (EUDP).

Potash and phosphate have been added to the updated 2025 List of Critical Minerals published in the US Federal Register on 6th November.

We look ahead at fertilizer industry prospects for the next 12 months, and the key economic and agricultural drivers likely to shape the market.

Fertilizer sales to Brazilian farmers are currently in line with the average of the past three years, despite variations by crop and state. CRU’s Anthony Rizzo and Bruno Fardim Christo of Veeries provide an update on the status of fertilizers and crops in the Brazilian market.

NEXTCHEM (MAIRE) to provide the license and PDP for a new nitric acid plant in China and technical assistance services for the revamping of a nitrogen fertilizer complex

Advances in cooling technology are providing fertilizer facilities with new options when it comes to upgrading outdated equipment and improving environmental sustainability of their existing operations. Igor Makarenko of Solex Thermal Science explores cooling strategies to improve operational efficiencies while also reducing their energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and overall carbon footprint.

Globally, operational renewable ammonia projects have exceeded one gigawatt (GW) of installed electrolyser capacity for the first time. Kevin Rouwenhorst of the Ammonia Energy Association (AEA) provides an overview of well-advanced projects and the associated technology options for ammonia synthesis.

Austrlai’s Northern Territories Government has approved a mining licence for Verdant Minerals’ Ammaroo phosphate project. The approval follows the granting of two mineral leases in March and represents a critical step towards construction and mining operations at one of the world’s largest phosphate resources. Verdant estimates the value of production over the life of the mine to exceed $15 billion. Verdant says that securing the mining licence puts the project firmly on track to reach a final investment decision and commence construction as early as mid-2027. Located 200 kilometres south-east of Tennant Creek, the Ammaroo phosphate deposit contains more than one billion tonnes of phosphate ore.

Ukraine’s resilient fertilizer market has undergone an import-led revival following a calamitous collapse in consumption in 2022.