CF Industries Holdings announced it is evaluating a site in Ascension Parish for construction of a proposed $2-B blue ammonia production facility. The proposed export-oriented facility would be developed jointly by CF Industries and Mitsui & Co. By employing CCS, 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 H₂ – 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.

“This massive proposed investment from CF Industries would create good-paying jobs and strengthen Louisiana’s position as a leader in the clean energy transition,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “This would be another big step toward our goal of making Louisiana carbon-neutral by 2050. We thank CF Industries for its continued commitment to Louisiana, and look forward to working with company, parish and regional economic development leaders to move the project forward.”

“CF Industries and Mitsui believe that blue ammonia will play a pivotal role in accelerating the world’s transition to clean energy and that our proposed blue ammonia production facility is an important step towards this future,” said Tony Will, president and chief executive officer, CF Industries Holdings, Inc. “CF Industries has long appreciated the partnership we have had with the State of Louisiana and Ascension Parish, both as we have expanded our operations over the years and now as we decarbonize our production processes and consider new capacity growth. We look forward to working with them further as we continue to evaluate our proposed blue ammonia production facility.”

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-MM plan to add carbon capture and sequestration capability to its existing ammonia production facility in Donaldsonville.

“CF Industries has been a tremendous community partner for over 50 years and we look forward to working with them on this project,” said Clint Cointment, Ascension Parish President. “This facility will help meet the world’s needs for sustainable solutions on climate change while creating 103 new local jobs with over $10 MM in permanent payroll and significant local economic activity during construction.”

To secure the project, the State of Louisiana is offering CF Industries a competitive incentive package that includes the services of LED FastStart, which was recently ranked the No. 1 statewide workforce development program in the nation for the 13th consecutive year. Additionally, the company would be eligible for a performance-based award of up to $6 MM to be paid out over four years to reimburse verified project development and infrastructure expenditures. The company is also expected to utilize the state’s Quality Jobs and Industrial Tax Exemption programs.

“Together with our partners, Ascension Economic Development Corporation is ready to assist CF Industries and Mitsui & Co. with this world-class energy transition project,” Kate MacArthur, AEDC president and CEO said. “Our area continues to grow in the clean hydrogen/ammonia and carbon sequestration field and this project would be a remarkable addition.”

“With CF Industries’ incredible proposed project, Louisiana’s Capital Region shows it is ready to be a global leader in transitional energy,” said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. “We have seen over $16 billion in clean energy investments announced since 2020 in our region. We extend our appreciation to CF Industries’ leadership team for their continued commitment to Donaldsonville and Ascension Parish, and to parish officials and partners for their work to make this happen for Louisiana.”