KBR has been selected by ORNX Green Hydrogen to provide technology licensing and pre-front-end engineering design (Pre-FEED) services for a planned large-scale low-cost ammonia project in Morocco’s Laâyoune region.

The study is supported by funding from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and will assess a project expected to produce around 560,000 metric tonnes of ammonia annually using approximately 900MW of electrolyser capacity.

The development is planned to integrate renewable power generation, hydrogen production and ammonia synthesis into a single large-scale platform, using the region’s renewable energy resources and access to port infrastructure.

KBR also supported ORNX in its engagement with USTDA and the successful application for funding for the Pre-FEED study.

The project is intended to support Morocco’s renewable energy and hydrogen ambitions while establishing an export-oriented supply of low-carbon ammonia for international markets.

The ammonia could serve growing demand for cleaner fuels and sustainable feedstocks in sectors including fertilisers, shipping and industry.

Morocco has identified hydrogen and its derivatives as strategic areas for economic development and is attracting investment into large-scale renewable energy projects.

The ORNX development is expected to contribute to these efforts while supporting the growth of low-carbon ammonia production for global markets.

"KBR is proud to support ORNX and USTDA on this important low cost ammonia initiative in Morocco," said Jay Ibrahim, President, Sustainable Technology Solutions, KBR. "As a global leader in ammonia technology, KBR is uniquely positioned to help developers accelerate project maturity, optimise plant performance and reduce execution risk. This award reflects the strength of our integrated approach and our commitment to enabling the energy transition through scalable, commercially viable solutions."

"We are very grateful to KBR for its considerable support in working with USTDA to reach this important milestone for our ammonia project in Laayoune,” said Peter A. Gish, President and CEO of ORNX. “This funding will ensure the successful completion of the pre-FEED studies lead by world-renown KBR, together with a consortium which includes GE Vernova, Electric Hydrogen and Terabase. We look forward to working closely with our partners as we accelerate towards the FEED and Final Investment Decision for our project.” -OGN/TradeArabia News Service