2024/08/18

Egypt soars in ammonia sales; new product captures Europe

Egypt is poised to become a global green ammonia powerhouse, with a new project targeting European markets. This strategic move aligns with the nation's broader push towards low-carbon energy sources.

In a recent virtual general assembly of the Egyptian Fertilizer Company (Mopco), presided over by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El Molla, the country outlined its ambitious plans for the sector.

During the meeting, Minister El Molla underscored the critical role of Mopco's expansion plans, including a groundbreaking emissions reduction project. This initiative signifies a major stride towards sustainable production and will bolster Mopco's competitiveness in the European market. El Molla emphasized that the company's new green ammonia venture with Norway's Scatec will unlock significant opportunities in the coming years.

Mopco currently fulfills approximately 30% of the domestic urea fertilizer demand and around 60% of the country's green ammonia needs. The company is a significant exporter, with Europe as its primary market, followed by the Americas and Asia.

Ahmed Mahmoud, Mopco's Chairman, unveiled a comprehensive three-year strategy focused on green initiatives. The plan encompasses carbon footprint reduction, factory upgrades, product innovation, and strategic partnerships to drive profitability.

A significant milestone for Mopco this year was the commissioning of a new production unit dedicated to AdBlue, a 32.5% urea solution with soaring global demand. The unit boasts an annual capacity of 20,000 tons.

Mahmoud further highlighted two major projects in the pipeline: a green ammonia production facility, in partnership with Norway's Scatec, with an annual capacity of 150,000 tons, and a melamine production unit targeting an annual output of 42,000 tons.

In conclusion, Egypt is rapidly emerging as a global green ammonia powerhouse. Driven by government support and robust private sector investments, the country's strategic location, abundant resources, and unwavering commitment to sustainability position it as a key player in the global green energy transition.