thyssenkrupp Uhde successfully commissioned a state-of-the-art Hydrogen Recovery Unit (HRU) at the Fertil plant in Ruwais, United Arab Emirates, operated by Fertiglobe, a global leader in urea and ammonia production and a pioneer in sustainable ammonia solutions. The scope of work included engineering, procurement, and site supervision during installation and start-up, with all operations carried out while the plant remained fully operational.
Following the revamp and successful commissioning, the plant now operates at a capacity of 2,120 metric tons per day (MTPD) of ammonia. The HRU enhances hydrogen recovery from the ammonia synthesis purge gas, resulting in increased feedstock utilization and a 6% boost in ammonia output. thyssenkrupp Uhde demonstrated exceptional safety awareness and technical capability in executing this complex implementation during live operations.
Driving Low-Carbon Ammonia Production
The milestone project is a significant step toward sustainable and energy-efficient ammonia production. By recovering hydrogen more efficiently, the HRU contributes to lower carbon dioxide emissions per ton of ammonia produced, supporting Fertiglobe’s strategic goal of reducing its carbon footprint while improving overall plant efficiency.
The HRU, coupled with an extended ammonia recovery unit, was installed with precision engineering to ensure smooth integration without disrupting ongoing plant operations. Pre-engineered tie-ins allowed the upgrade to proceed seamlessly while maintaining full plant functionality.
Industry Leaders Highlight Strategic Impact
Nadja Håkansson, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde, commented, “We are proud to contribute to Fertiglobe’s ammonia capacity increase. This cutting-edge hydrogen recovery technology marks a significant step toward more resource-efficient production. By delivering innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions combined with our implementation expertise, we create sustainable alternatives for our customers and set new CO2-reduction standards.”
Ahmed El-Hoshy, CEO of Fertiglobe, added, “The new hydrogen recovery unit designed and commissioned by thyssenkrupp Uhde and Fertil marks a milestone in our Manufacturing Improvement Plan (MIP). The project increases ammonia production by up to 6% while reducing CO2 emissions and delivers an annual IRR of over 25%. This achievement reflects seamless collaboration and strengthens our commitment to sustainable growth.”
Advanced Hydrogen Recovery for Resource Efficiency
The HRU utilizes cutting-edge membrane separation technology to recover valuable hydrogen from ammonia synthesis purge gas. This innovation supports capacity enhancement, promotes resource-efficient fertilizer production, and helps Fertiglobe navigate market dynamics while advancing industry decarbonization efforts.
As per company press release, by integrating advanced hydrogen recovery technology into ongoing operations, Fertiglobe and thyssenkrupp Uhde have demonstrated how engineering excellence and sustainability can go hand in hand, setting a benchmark for ammonia production efficiency and CO2 reduction in the region.
